Development of Hanimaadhoo Airport to be signed shortly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a US$100 million new Government of India Line of Credit to finance infrastructure projects in Maldives during the official visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The additional fund would enable implementation of several large infrastructure projects that have been under various stages of discussion, the Prime Minister’s Office said on 2 Aug 2022.
Prime Minister Modi and President Solih reviewed several India-supported developments in Maldives.
These included:
Exim Bank of India Buyer’s Credit funding of US$119 million for construction of another 2,000 social housing units in Greater Male and exchange of a Letter of Intent to this effect between Exim Bank of India and the Government of Maldives.
The revised Detail Project Report of the Gulhifalhu Port Project. Officials have been directed to commence implementation at the earliest for a world class port facility for Greater Male, replacing the existing port and relocation of facilities from Male City.
The signing of the Hanimaadhoo Airport Development’s Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, implementation of which would commence shortly.
The progress achieved in the Addu Roads project, provision of water and sewerage facilities at 34 islands and restoration of Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque).
The development of the 4,000 social housing units being built in Greater Male under Buyer’s Credit financing of Exim Bank of India. These housing units are in line with the Government of Maldives’ focus of providing affordable housing for its citizens.
The feasibility report of the Cancer Hospital building project in Laamu and its financial closure through the Government of India Line of Credit.
The speedy progress made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU. This project would assist Maldives in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in exercising jurisdiction and undertaking maritime surveillance of its EEZ and atolls.
Prime Minister Modi also announced supply of the second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) and a replacement ship for earlier provided CGS Huravee from Government of India for Maldives National Defence Force to Government of Maldives.
He announced gifting of 24 utility vehicles from Government of India to Maldives National Defence Force.
President Solih thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s continuing support for modernisation of MNDF infrastructure and equipment through grant assistance and the US$50 million Line of Credit facility for defense projects.
The leaders witnessed exchange of MoUs and Agreements in the following areas during the visit:
– Collaboration on potential fishing zone forecast capacity building;
– Cooperation in the area of cyber security;
– Capacity building of women development committees and local government authorities of Maldives;
– Cooperation in disaster management;
– US$41 million Buyer’s Credit Agreement to construct police infrastructure;
– Letter of Intent for Buyer’s Credit financing of 2,000 social housing units. fiinews.com
