The central bank has confirmed that the state is yet to receive the aid of USD 150 million, which was promised by the Saudi Arabian government a year ago.
President Abdulla Yameen announced that the state would receive a total of 150 million (MVR 2.3 billion) after concluding a state visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016.
Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee announced in a press conference held on 6th October last year that this aid would greatly supplement the state’s development projects.
Shainee said at the conference that the funds will be sent soon and all the arrangements to receive it has been made.
An official from the Maldives Monetary Authority said that the state is yet to receive the funds, adding that senior members of his office’s staff has not mentioned the Saudi aid in months.
President Yameen het met with King Salman bin Abdul Azeez during his visit to the country, and the sovereign was to visit Maldives as part of his Asia tour earlier this week.
However, he had cancelled his visit due to reports of an influenza outbreak in the capital.
The government had also announced a controversial development project in Faafu Atoll worth USD 10 billion.
Audio leaks of the ruling party’s parliamentary group leader revealed that the Prince Mohamed bin Salman intends to purchase parts of the atoll.
