Less spent on projects while cost on salaries soar

May 25, 2024, 11:06 AM
Less spent on projects while cost on salaries soar

The spending from the state budget for development projects has decreased while spending on salaries increased compared to last year.

According to the latest Weekly Fiscal Development Report released by the Finance Ministry, MVR 1.8 billion has been spent on development projects so far this year compared to MVR 4.4 billion last year.

The expenditure on defence and security projects stood at MVR 78.5 million in the same period last year compared to MVR 26.9 million this year.

Health sector projects cost MVR 51.8 million last year while the amount stood at MVR 39.9 million this year.

The expenditure on education projects stood at MVR 195.6 million during the same period last year as against MVR 107.3 million this year. That is MVR 7.1 million for universities and MVR 100.2 million for schools.

MVR 10.5 million was spent on university-related projects last year, while MVR 185.2 million was spent on school projects.

Environmental protection projects cost MVR 202.7 million last year compared to MVR 147.5 million this year. They were MVR 46.2 million for waste management, MVR 98.3 million for beach protection and MVR 3.0 million for renewable energy.

During the same period last year, MVR 45.5 million was spent on waste management, MVR 139.1 million on beach protection, MVR 6.3 million on drainage systems and MVR 11.7 million on renewable energy.

MVR 709.6 million was spent on water and sewerage projects during the same period last year while the amount stood at MVR 210 million this year.

MVR 1.4 billion was spent on projects related to transport in the same period last year as against MVR 299.9 million this year.

Spending on salary increased by 440 million

Expenditure on development projects decreased by MVR 2.6 billion compared to the same period last year while expenditure on salaries of public servants increased by MVR 440.9 million.

That is close to the amount spent on education, environmental protection and water and sewerage projects during the same period this year. The total expenditure on these sectors during the period was MVR 465.2 million.

Revenue increased during the period this year

Government revenue increased by MVR 515.1 million compared to the same period last year. The total revenue received during the same period last year was MVR 12.7 billion compared to MVR 13.2 billion this year.

That includes MVR 10.8 billion in taxes, MVR 2.2 billion in other revenue and MVR 91.4 billion in grants.

The latest weekly fiscal report released by the Finance Ministry details the government's expenditure as of May 16.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

EyeCare offers 20 percent discount to mark World Sight Day

To celebrate World Sight Day, EyeCare is offering a 20 percent discount on selected frames with the purchase of prescription lenses through October. Available at all outlets, the promotion aligns with the "Love Your Eyes" theme to encourage eye health. Professionals are on hand to help customers choose the best options for their lifestyle.

Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open to begin on December 13

Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2026, a badminton tournament running from December 13 to 19 in Malé. The event features various youth age groups and a Para category to foster local and international talent. Interested players must register by November 25 to compete in this endorsed sporting event.

MTCC has 6700 employees, most positions are contract-based

MTCC reports a workforce of 6,700 employees, with only 2,500 being permanent staff. Following a merger with the Road Development Corporation, the company’s headcount will grow by over 4,000, establishing a presence on every inhabited island. This expansion comes amid criticism over rapid hiring practices within state-owned enterprises.

Moody’s upgrades Maldives credit rating to Caa1

Moody’s has upgraded the Maldives' credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing a reduced risk of default after successful debt payments. While the upgrade restores the rating to previous levels, the agency warns of a rising budget deficit and a high debt-to-GDP ratio that remains above 100 percent.

Board appointed for new Awqaf Investment company

The Maldives has formed the board for Maldives Awqaf Investment, a new state-owned enterprise led by Chairperson Izzuddin Adnan. The company will manage mosque construction, renovations, and waqf property development through Shari’ah-compliant activities. It holds an authorized capital of MVR 100 million to ensure project sustainability.

Government revenue exceeds MVR 30 billion

The Maldivian government’s revenue surpassed MVR 30 billion, marking a slight increase over last year despite a slowdown in tourism-related tax growth. While tax revenue rose to MVR 23.8 billion, non-tax revenue saw a decline. Economic experts link the stagnation to a cooling tourism sector, which may impact year-end budgetary targets.

TGST declines due to low tourist arrivals

Maldives' state revenue is declining as Tourism Goods and Services Tax collections fell by MVR 110.5 million due to a drop in visitor arrivals. Disruptions in Middle Eastern air travel have slowed tourism momentum since the second quarter. It is now unlikely the country will meet its annual target of 2.4 million tourists.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox