MVR 5.5b assigned for atoll development in budget for 2013

MVR5.5 billion has been assigned for the development of atolls in the estimated state budget for 2013.

The budget presented to the Parliament yesterday states that out of the planned Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIP), projects worth MVR2.7 billion had been assigned to the atolls.

This includes the transfer of people from small islands to bigger ones, the construction of harbours and fishing ports, and the expansion of the services of health centres and hospitals.

Figures stated in the budget include MVR935 million for housing, MVR922 million for sewage projects, and MVR321 million for education and health sectors.

The government announced plans to construct and renovate harbours of 14 islands, to establish sewage systems in 11 islands, to establish drinking water systems in three islands, to construct 1500 housing units in eight islands, to construction a regional hospital in S. Hithadhoo, and to construct 21 new mosques in the atolls.

A total of MVR3.1 billion had been assigned for PSIPs, which is 18 percent of the MVR16.9 billion budget.

Of this, MVR1.5 billion will be spent directly from the budget, while the remaining funds will be obtained from domestic and foreign loans.

MVR21 million will be obtained as domestic loans, MVR1.2 billion will be obtained as foreign loans, and MVR347.6 million will be obtained as free aid.

The budget states that, with 2.5 billion, the biggest expenditure by the government next year will be on education.

This includes improving the National University, purchase of items required for education, construction of additional classrooms in schools, and the establishment of fundamental tools for education.

MVR1.7 billion had been assigned for strengthening the judicial sector. This includes strengthening the judiciary, construction of buildings to hold convicted criminals, increasing services to ensure safety for citizens, and training staff.

MVR1.5 billion had been assigned for the health sector. This will be spent on improving Kulhudhuffushi and Hithadhoo hospitals to tertiary standards, and expansion of health services.

MVR2 billion had been assigned for social security and welfare. This includes subsidies for electricity, health and other services.