President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that despite economic challenges, the Government is accelerating the pace of ongoing projects, with many expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Speaking on PSM’s Nation Chat programme, President Muizzu said efforts were under way to strengthen companies responsible for implementing major projects. In this regard, he said the capacity of MTCC needs to be increased.
The President said avenues must be explored to secure external financing for MTCC. He said that by bringing in the heavy equipment and other materials required for MTCC projects without further delay, harbour development, land reclamation and other projects across the islands could progress.
President Muizzu said he expected a dredger three times the size of MTCC’s largest dredger currently in operation, to be brought to the Maldives by the end of this year. He added that land reclamation works would proceed at an accelerated pace on all islands where such work has not yet begun.
“We want to increase our own capacity in addition to the funding provided by the Government for bills. RDC is a road construction company. The company has now been merged with MTCC. New machinery has been procured for RDC to carry out road construction works appropriately. The work will also begin within two to three months. With the changes being made to the pace of the work, many projects will be completed by 2027,” President Muizzu said.
Highlighting ongoing water and sewerage projects across the islands, the President said such projects had remained stalled in some islands when the Government took office. He noted that some projects had been awarded without sufficient funding.
However, he said the Government was now carrying out water and sewerage works and expected these projects to be completed by the end of this year and next year.
The President said although some projects had not been completed by the dates stated in his presidential address due to changes in the global economy, all commitments he had made to the islands would be fulfilled next year.
He noted that smaller projects were also continuing across the islands. These include waste management centres, parks, outdoor gyms, school buildings, mosques and police stations.
The President said his administration was committed to ensuring equal development across all islands and among all citizens, and establishing the facilities required in every island.