When the government initiated development projects have been conducted in a transparent manner with a bidding process, the cost of the projects has decreased by 50 percent, according to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking at an event held in Bilehdhoo in Faafu Atoll, President Solih revealed the previous administration quoted over USD 4.5 million to establish water and sewerage facilities in a single island. However, the president said when the current administration conducted a proper bidding process for those projects, the cost has been slashed down to less than USD 2 million. Highlighting the differences in the costs, the president reflected the level of corruption in the previous administration.
President Solih said the administration values the opinions and suggestions from the public and noted the aim of the administration to provide a competitive and transparent environment for interested parties to bid for projects.
To ensure transparency, since January 28, the government has ensured a policy of unsolicited proposals for all public projects. Under the policy, information regarding proposals that have been opened for direct discussion and those that have reached an agreement stage will be published on the website of Ministry of Economic Development. The information published will include details of the bidder and the scope of the proposal submitted.