The government has inaugurated two renovation projects funded under the Indian Grant Assistance.

The “ground-breaking” ceremony was held virtually on Thursday morning at 11:30am and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was joined by High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir to inaugurate the projects.

The ceremony marked the launching of the Hulhumalé Central Park and east-side Arrival Jetty renovation projects, which are funded under the MVR 106 million – approximately USD 6.9 million – grant assistance provided by the neighboring nation.

Highlighting that a grant of MVR 9.989 million was allocated from the government of India to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for both projects, FM Shahid noted that they revolve around the aim to provide an “attractive atmosphere” with increased amenities for the residents and visitors of Hulhumalé in turn, “improving the overall quality of life”.

As such, a total of MVR 8.10 million will be spent for the renovation of Hulhumalé Central Park whereas the east-side Arrival Jetty’s renovation is priced at MVR 995,385.

Under the scope of the Hulhumalé Central Park renovation, HDC will plant walkways, install lights and seating areas as well as cycling lane.

The MVR 106 million grant was provided to the island nation by India during March 2019and aims to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country which are of high impact.

The schemed initiated under the grant assistance, are managed by local authorities.

The virtual reception was joined by the MP representing Hulhumalé constituency Ali Niyaz, officials of the government, the Housing Development Cooperation (HDC) and the High Commission of India in Maldives.