$58 billion required to complete ongoing projects; no specific budgets allocated for individual projects: Minister
19 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 07:53Muththalib has stated that 58.8 billion MVR is required to complete ongoing projects under the ministry's mandate. While opposition members have expressed concern over the lack of specific budget allocations for individual projects in next year's state budget, residents in various islands continue to report that numerous local development initiatives remain stalled.
Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib. | People's Majlis
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development has announced that 58 billion rufiyaa is required to complete its ongoing projects.
During Monday's parliamentary session, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for South Hulhumalé, questioned the Minister regarding the total estimated budget required to complete ongoing projects under the Ministry's mandate. The MP further inquired about the specific amount of funding allocated in this year's budget to facilitate the progress of these projects.
In a written response to the inquiry, Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that MVR 58.8 billion is required to complete the ongoing projects. The Minister further noted that projects for the year 2026 are set to be managed under a program budget, and that the Ministry of Finance will allocate funds in accordance with the established project implementation plans. Minister Muththalib clarified that specific budgets have not yet been designated for individual projects for 2026. During the parliamentary debates on the proposed 2026 state budget, opposition members expressed significant concern over the government's failure to allocate specific funding amounts for individual projects. Members further alleged that this lack of transparency is a deliberate attempt by the administration to mislead the public regarding the progress and implementation of these projects.
Citizens across the country are expressing growing concern over the stagnation of development projects. These include initiatives launched by the previous MDP administration, as well as new projects inaugurated and commissioned by the current government, all of which have reportedly come to a standstill.
The government previously stated that numerous projects had come to a standstill due to difficulties in procuring rock boulders. However, while the government now claims that these projects have resumed and are currently underway, local island and city councils, as well as members of the public, maintain that the work remains stalled.
