The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts is managing more than 800 projects this year, the highest number in the ministry’s history, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu has said.
Speaking about the ministry’s work at the Ahaa public forum, which allows people to ask ministers questions directly, Minister Rafiu said many of the projects were nearing completion.
He said 130 projects had been initiated and completed under the current administration, with the facilities now being used by residents across the Maldives.
Ongoing projects include football pitches, fitness and recreation centres, outdoor gyms, and grounds and courts for various sports. The minister noted that practical work had yet to begin on 31 per cent of the projects.
Despite the large number of projects being undertaken, Minister Rafiu expressed confidence that they would all be completed during the current administration’s term.
Under the government’s sports policy, work is under way to establish fitness and recreation centres on every inhabited island, regardless of size. The government is also working to provide facilities for sports that have previously lacked adequate resources.
These include a racing track, a dedicated shooting arena and an Olympic-standard swimming pool, alongside facilities for other sports. The government is working with various stakeholders to develop the infrastructure.