Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has refuted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's claim that the Kuwait Fund withdrew funds due to delays in implementing projects during the government of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking in Haa Dhaal Hanimadhoo, where a hospital project is financed through the Kuwait Fund, Muizzu said the financial assistance from the Fund had been withdrawn during the former government.
"The former government did not make use of the funds and kept on delaying projects and the Kuwait Fund finally withdrew the assistance," he claimed.
Ameer, who was the Finance Minister of the former government, wrote on X that the President's claim was a blatant lie. He added that no funds had been withdrawn due to a delay in project.
"This is a blatant lie. The Kuwait Fund has always been helping the Maldives. No project or funding has been withdrawn due to delays in carrying out a project. I advise you to appoint suitable, competent people who will give you the correct information," he said.
The former government announced projects to build 30-bed hospitals in seven islands with assistance from the Kuwait Fund. The projects were contracted in May 2023 in the islands of Hanimaadhoo, Alif Dhaal Maamigili, Vaavu Felidhoo, Thaa Vilufushi, Shaviyani Milandhoo, Noonu Velidhoo and Kaafu Thulusdhoo.
