Finance Minister: Funding Secured for Over 1,200 Ongoing Projects

The Minister of Finance and State-Owned Enterprises, Hassan Zareer, has stated that more than 1,200 projects are currently ongoing across the Maldives, and that funding arrangements are in place to ensure timely payments. Responding to a question from a resident of N. Velidhoo regarding stalls in projects on the island during an 'Ask Forum' session, Minister Zareer said that the biggest challenge facing project implementation is the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has caused difficulties in procuring necessary materials. Despite these challenges, he assured that priority projects are being completed with allocated funds, and that 1,273 projects are currently underway with financial arrangements secured. Minister Zareer emphasized that the government is closely monitoring all projects to ensure they progress as planned. He noted that funding has been prioritized for key projects and that work continues to overcome supply chain disruptions. The statement aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's vision to complete all water and sewerage, waste management, fitness and recreation centres, outdoor gyms, children's parks, ATMs, police stations, laboratories, health services, and school infrastructure, including inclusive education, on every inhabited island by Independence Day 2028. Religious, sports, and transport projects are also part of this plan. The overall goal is to transform the Maldives into a developed nation by 2040.