India will finance seven new projects under the Indian High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Grant Assistance Scheme in Maldives to expand its outreach in the Southern Indian Ocean region.
The seven new projects will see a total estimated cost of Rs 132 million (MVR 27 million).
These projects are spread across seven atolls of the Maldives – Haa Dhaalu, Noonu, Kaafu, Alif Dhaalu, Thaa, Gaafu Alifu and Seenu.
These projects include setting up of an Audiology unit in Kulhudhuffushi hospital; site museums in N Landhoo Maabudhuge, and in Th Dhiyamigilli Ganduvaru; multi-sports complex in N. Manadhoo; Prosthetics & Orthotics facility in Hulhumale hospital; Youth centre in A.Dh. Dhigurah; Youth centre in Ga. Gemanafushi; and mental health unit in Addu Equatorial hospital.
Two of these projects – the Vilunu Drug Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre and the Meedhoo Eco-Tourism Zone in Addu, were inaugurated recent. The overall allocation for HICDPs in the Maldives is MVR 155 million.
Apart from the above 27 high-impact projects, 18 other grant projects were allocated to the Maldives under grant assistance of MVR 106 million extended by India in 2019. Of these, 15 projects have been completed and inaugurated.