Maldives-India execute 7 MoUs for new HICDP projects pertaining to health, sports, heritage

Maldives and India have executed seven Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) to be implemented under grant assistance from India.

At a ceremony held at Foreign Ministry today, the MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on behalf of the Maldivian government and High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Munu Mahawar on behalf of the Indian government.

The projects launched under the MoUs signed today are worth a total grant of MVR 26.8 million (equivalent to approximately USD 1.7 million). They are:

•          Establishing a mental health centre at Addu Equatorial Hospital
•          Establishing a speech therapy unit at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital
•          Development of a prosthetics and orthotics manufacturing workshop at Hulhumale’ Hospital
•          Preservation of cultural places in N. Landhoo and Th. Dhiyamigili Ganduvaru
•          Development of a multi sports complex in N. Manadhoo
•          Development of a youth centre in ADh. Dhigurah, Gemanafushi

These projects were initially announced during India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recent visit to the Maldives.

The overarching MoU on Indian grant assistance for HICDPs was initially signed between the Governments of the Maldives and India on March 17, 2019, for a total grant of MVR 85 million. On July 23, 2021, it was renewed with an increment up to MVR 155 million.

Apart from the projects signed today, eighteen other projects are currently underway under this grant scheme.