Seven new projects have been announced under the Indian High-Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) grant assistance scheme.
The announcement was made during India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Maldives.
As such, the new project’s value has been estimated at MVR 27 million or Indian Rs 132 million and it is to be carried out spanning across seven atolls.
The seven atolls in which the projects will be carried out include Haa Dhaal atoll, Noonu atoll, Kaafu atoll, Alif Dhaal atoll, Thaa atoll, Gaaf Alif atoll and Seenu atoll.
According to the High Commission of India in the Maldives, the initiative revolves around healthcare, heritage conservation as well as youth development.
The seven projects are:
- A project to establish an Audiology Unit in Kulhudhuffushi Hospital,
- A project to establish site museums in Landhoo island of Noonu atoll and Dhiyamigili island of Thaa atoll,
- A project to establish a multi-sports complex in Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll,
- A project to develop a Prosthetics and Orthotics Facility in Hulhumalé Hospital,
- A project to build a youth center in Dhigurah island of Alif Dhaal atoll,
- A project to build a youth center in Gemanafushi island of Gaaf Alif atoll,
- A project to establish a mental health unit at Addu Equatorial Hospital.
With the inception of these new projects, a total of 27 projects have currently been funded by the Indian High-Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) grant assistance scheme.
In addition to this, 18 additional projects have been allocated for Maldives under the grant assistance, valued at MVR 106 million. Of these, 15 have already been completed and inaugurated.
The Indian High Commission revealed that they prioritize the needs of the island communities in designing the HICDPs and that most of these projects will be run by the local councils of the respective islands.
During his recent visit, Dr. Jaishankar inaugurated two projects undertaken in Addu City with the Indian grant assistance under the High Impact Community Development Projects scheme; “Vilunu” drug rehabilitation facility, and “Mulimathi” tourism zone as well.
India's Minister of External Affairs also attended the inauguration ceremony of the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement established in Addu City under the Indian Grant Assistance. After the Academy was jointly inaugurated by President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Minister Dr. Jaishankar, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, to boost capacity and areas of cooperation.
Further, Dr. Jaishankar and FM Shahid witnessed the signing of multiple key agreements such as, the reciprocal recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificate which will facilitate easier travel between Maldives and India as well as the Peering Agreement for connectivity between the Higher Education Network of Maldives and the National Knowledge Network of India.
