Finance Committee

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that Parliament’s Finance Committee has been requested for permission to obtain the additional finance necessary to continue the flat-construction projects currently underway in Male’.

Speaking to reporters at the official jetty while on his way to depart to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the President said that the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) is prepared to finance these projects.

“Flats for about 190 families are currently under construction. Discussions have taken place with HDFC, which is prepared to provide the necessary finance. However the Parliament’s Finance Committee has to approve of HDFC providing this finance, and I believe this will be done soon,” the President said.

He said that in spite of the government’s current financial constraints, it is trying to work for the benefit of the Maldivian people.

In this regard, he noted that about 1,000 students have been provided loans and scholarships over the past three months or so.

Preparations are also underway for the construction of Link road in Laamu Atoll.

“We hope that the work can commence before the end of the year,” he said.

The President further informed that IGM Hospital had decided to establish two urban health clinics in Male’, which would result in reduced queues for health services at IGM Hospital.