38 projects completed despite budget constraints: Construction Minister

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that the current administration has ensured the completion of 38 developmental projects, regardless of the budget constraints, affirming that additional 26 projects will be completed by year-end. Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Dr. Muththalib stated that the biggest challenged faced in executing projects was the misallocation of the budget for the projects. The minister noted that the previous administration initiated several projects across the islands, but the projects were halted due to the lack of secured finances. Therefore, he mentioned that the current administration is striving to ensure the completion of projects expeditiously, as per schedule. Furthermore, he assured that the state budget 2025, will prioritise to address housing issues, and will facilitate the implementation of several projects pledged by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The government has proposed a state budget worth USD 3.7 billion to the parliament, which includes USD 2.3 billion for recurrent expenditures and USD 862.3 million for capital expenditures. The government expects to receive USD 2.57 billion in donations and collect USD 428 million in savings due to stringent measures aimed at reducing state expenses. The budget includes USD804 million for 695 Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) projects. Of this amount, USD493 million has been allocated for 396 ongoing projects and USD104 million for 62 projects which have not seen the commencement of practical works.