India announces 7 new HICDP projects in Maldives

The External Affairs Minister of India Dr Jaishankar on his recent visit to Maldives announced seven new projects in Maldives, that will be funded under the Indian High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) grant assistance scheme.

According to the High Commission of India in Maldives, the new project cover healthcare, youth development and heritage conservation, and is estimated to cost MVR 27 million.

Additionally, the High Commission revealed that the projects were spread across seven Atolls of the Maldives – Haa Dhaalu, Noonu, Kaafu, Alif Dhaalu, Thaa, Gaafu Alifu and Seenu.

The 7 projects are:

• 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

• Mental health unit in Addu Equatorial hospital

With these new projects, the total number of projects funded by HICDPs in Maldives increased to 27.

Dr Jaishakar had inaugurated two of these projects – the ‘Vilunu’ Drug detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre and the Meedhoo eco-tourism zone in Addu – during his visit.

The implemented projects under HICDPs cover fisheries, eco-tourism, sustainable development, agriculture, heritage and culture, health, island infrastructure and education sectors.

The Indian High Commission noted that the overall allocation for HICDPs in Maldives is MVR 155 million.

In addition to the 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, from which, 15 projects have been completed and inaugurated.

HICDPs are designed as per the priorities of island communities. Most of them are implemented by local councils and enhance their capacities in project execution.