Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said the Malé road development project funded through a grant from China is being implemented in accordance with the procedures set by the Chinese government.

He made the remarks in the People’s Majlis while responding to a question from North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim on the progress of the project.

The Infrastructure Minister stated projects financed through grants, loans and the State budget are carried out under different frameworks. He explained that projects funded through foreign grants must follow the procurement rules and guidelines of the donor country.

He noted that the Malé road development project was agreed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China, adding that work has been progressing since then. The feasibility study phase has now been completed, and a party has been selected to undertake survey and design work.

The Minister said projects funded through Chinese grants are implemented in stages, including feasibility, survey and design, and construction. Each stage is awarded through a tender process conducted in China, with selected parties carrying out the work.

He added that the survey and design team is expected to travel to the Maldives soon, and that once the design phase is completed, a contractor will be selected to begin implementation.

Minister Dr Muththalib said similar procedures apply to projects funded by other countries, noting that such assistance is derived from taxpayer funds of the donor country and must therefore be implemented in line with its laws and regulations.

He added that while the Government aims to begin projects as quickly as possible, it must adhere to the required procedures when working with foreign-funded assistance.