Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has said local companies must play a vital role in the development of the country. The planning minister made the statement at the opening ceremony of the conference organised by Maldives Association of Construction Industry (MACI) to work out the challenges facing the construction industry in Maldives.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Minister Aslam assured the administration will work to include local companies in the development projects contracted to foreign parties. The minister noted that one third of the State Budget is allocated to Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). The PSIP funded projects include developing water and sewerage facilities, and harbour construction. However, local construction companies mainly depend on the development of residential quarters to generate income.
Minister Aslam assured the administration will work and cooperate with local companies to expand the construction industry. He said the administration will ensure a fair and a transparent bidding process and that raw materials for construction are imported within rules and regulations.