15 Apr, 8:29 AM
Additional financing of US$ 18 million for the airport expansion project was agreed with the Saudi Fund for Development as President Muizzu conferred the highest civilian honour on the fund’s visiting chief executive, who also inaugurated an affordable housing project to build 400 units in Hulhumalé. SFD has provided US$ 448 million for 14 projects since 1978, CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid said.
The anti-corruption watchdog sought graft charges against the former Fenaka managing director and chief accountant over violations of the utility company’s procurement rules in the purchase of a privately-owned ice plant.
Illicit proceeds from corruption have been used to buy real estate in Hulhumalé, Deputy Speaker Nazim said during a public accounts committee meeting, referring to a police cooperative society director purchasing a US$ 1 million plot with stolen funds and selling it at a cheaper price. Asset recovery legislation is needed to seize such property, he said. The ongoing POLCO corruption probe also uncovered an unauthorised five-year extension of a police catering contract in defiance of instructions from the tender board, Nazim revealed.
200 pilots remain unemployed after completing training, the transport minister said, blaming the previous government for granting hundreds of student loans despite the lack of jobs. Briefing the press on new regulations due to come into force in six months, the minister noted that foreign nationals will be required to undergo a test to obtain driving licenses.
The Maldives imported MVR 4.4 billion (US$ 285 million) worth of goods in March. Excluding fuel, total imports fell from MVR 3.6 billion in February to MVR 3.5 billion last month. Fish exports remained unchanged at about MVR 204 million. But reflecting increased consumption during Ramadan, food imports amounted to MVR 1 billion, up from MVR 968 million during the previous month.
The economic minister departed to Türkiye to hold discussions with “key international business leaders and Turkish business associates” with a “focus on expanding trade partnerships and exploring new investment opportunities.”
The Islamic ministry announced 50 scholarships from the Zakat fund, covering masters and PhDs in Islamic knowledge and super-specialist medical training.
Renowned Dhivehi novelist Mohamed Waheed passed away at the age of 77. Hundreds of people joined his funeral prayers and shared messages of condolences.