The Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam has revealed that the state budget for 2020 has allocated sufficient funds for several development projects set to begin next year.

Speaking at the People’s Majlis sitting on Monday, Aslam revealed that the government’s policy is to begin some of the projects marked within the scope of the budget 2020, within this year.

As such, he revealed that work on 203 projects has begun thus far.

Further, the minister stated that all the projects marked for next year have been planned out to conclude within the span of three years.

Over 900 projects have been marked within the scope of 2020’s state budget and MVR 10.2 billion was allocated for them.

Also during the sitting on Monday, Minister Aslam revealed that the ministry will be contracting a harbor development project in three islands of Baa atoll within the following year.

Responding to a question posed by MP for Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain, the minister stated that harbor development in Kihaadhoo, Kudarikilu and Dhonfanu islands all in Baa atoll is funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Maldives had sought funds from OFID during July 2018 for infrastructural development in the island nation.

Further, the ministry apprised the work which will be carried out under the funds and formed a proposal throughout January 2019.

An “Appraisal Mission” had visited the Maldives and met with government officials as well as visited the islands in which the development projects will be carried out. The minister cited Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer having revealed that the appraisal will be signed by the end of 2019.

Aslam went on to reveal that the harbors in all three islands are damaged severely and call for development, adding that this is included in the incumbent president's pledges.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the speed of the progress in all three projects.