Concern as key details on planned projects missing from budget!

Nov 4, 2024, 8:23 AM
Finance Minister Moosa Zameer.

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer.

Concern has been raised as the proposed state budget for 2025 does not include details of planned works and projects in the atolls

The state budget for 2024 includes the amount for specific projects along with the details of the projects and new policies of the government. In particular, the budget for projects under the Public Sector Infrastructure Program (PSIP) and new policies was included.

However, the budget for 2025 does not contain any such details. A lot of information which was included in the previous budget book was missing from the new budget book. It also does not describe the global financial situation and the financial situation of the Maldives.

Concerns were raised by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), MPs and councillors. They expressed frustration as the budget does not have any details of the projects to be implemented on the island in 2025.

The Finance Ministry did not officially address their concerns. But a source with information on the matter told Adhadhu that the details were not included in the budget in order to submit it to the Parliament within the deadline.

The source added that the details would be included in the official budget book to be issued later.

The government proposed an MVR 56 billion budget for 2025. The biggest portion of the budget is to be spent on development projects under the PSIP. Revenue is expected to be MVR 39.8 billion.

Every year, after the proposed state budget is presented to parliament, the Finance Ministry uploads all relevant documents to the website budget.mv. However, information related to the budget proposed on Thursday has yet to be uploaded to the website.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP to stage protests if referendum is not held on Rasmale' deal

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to launch mass protests if the government does not hold a public referendum regarding the Rasmalé project. The opposition demands a halt to the project, citing concerns over secret financing and the potential sale of the site to a foreign businessman.

Nasheed announces full support for Rasmale' project

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's plan to sell part of the Rasmalé project to a UAE businessman. Despite opposition within the MDP calling for a public referendum, Nasheed argues the investment will yield long-term benefits for the Maldives. He remains the sole party member against the move.

Chinese Ambassador applauds Muizzu's successful Pakistan trip

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua praised President Muizzu’s successful state visit to Pakistan, where 20 agreements were signed to boost bilateral trade. The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials highlights strengthening ties, which India is monitoring closely given the regional dynamics and its own financial support to the Maldives.

Defence Minister visits the UAE embassy

Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed met with UAE Chargé d'Affaires Heba Al Jneibi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows controversy over a deal to sell 500 hectares of the Rasmalé reclamation project to UAE-based Eagle Hills. This move contradicts President Muizzu’s earlier pledge to keep the land under local ownership.

Commission formed to investigate the alleged sale of territory

President Muizzu has formed a commission to investigate the alleged sale of Maldivian maritime territory during a boundary dispute with the Chagos Archipelago. The inquiry will examine potential legal negligence by the previous administration and recommend actions against those responsible to prevent future occurrences.

Boating Association demands probe over diver altercation

The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal probe into a viral video showing an underwater physical struggle between two diving teams. The NBAM condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the ownership and regulatory compliance of the vessels involved to protect the industry's reputation.

Five injured after gas cylinder explosion at Hulhumale’ cafe

Five people were injured, with four hospitalized, after a gas cylinder exploded at a cafe in Hulhumale' Phase 1. Emergency teams responded to the resulting fire near the Ruhgandu 1 area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox