Male’, Maldives – Government of Maldives signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding this Friday on Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through local bodies under India Grant Assistance.
The renewed MoU increases the size of the Indian grant assistance for the High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives, from MVR 85 million to MVR 155 million.
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid on behalf of Maldives while the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr S Jaishankar signed the MoU on behalf of India.
The MoU was first signed on 17 March 2019 during the official visit of then Minister of External Affairs of India late Sushma Swaraj to the Maldives. It was to set up the framework to support small and effective developmental initiatives which will be implemented through local bodies, government-to-government institutions and to jointly work towards successful implementation of small projects which contribute to economic and social development and improvement of public welfare.
The primary themes of projects covered under the MoU are socio-economic development, livelihood activity, conservation of environmental and cultural heritage, empowerment of women and child welfare and skills development.
According to the Government of Maldives, there are currently 12 projects underway, under the High Impact Community Development Project grant scheme. They include of he establishment of Geydhoshu Mas Plant (Neighbourhood Fish Processing Plants) in Hithadhoo, Maradhoo and Hulhudhoo of Addu City, and Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo; Development of tourism zones in Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo of Addu City; Agricultural Linkages Project in Hanimaadhoo by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources; Establishing a drug detox centre in Addu City Hulhudhoo; Establishing a Water Bottling Factory in Haa Alif Hoarafushi.
