A community park was opened in Kanditheemu island of Shaviyani atoll on Friday, under the Bank of Maldives (BML)’s Community Fund initiative.

Launched during February 2019, the national bank’s Community Fund initiative is part of its efforts to empower individuals and NGOs to contribute to their communities through sustainable projects.

While projects are chosen following submissions in three phases, BML said that the Kanditheemu community park project was submitted by a Jinan Mohamed Shameem.

The bank said that the project was selected as it focuses on creating “an inclusive environment for all members of the community and offer a natural space to bring the community together for recreation and relaxation”.

Jinan, who submitted the proposal, said that BML’s assistance has enabled the opening of “a dream project for [the island]” adding that the idea for the project was “stemmed from wanting a project that would benefit all members of the community”.

The community park is designed with a barbeque area and fish cutting platform with tables and benches. The area also has a park for children as well as an outdoor gym accessible to all age groups and is equipped with beach huts, swings, sun beds and an outdoor shower.

The national bank has has provided funding for projects in 30 islands across the country under the Community Fund initiative, over the last year. The bank allocates a total of MVR 50,000 for each project under the fund.