China to fund construction of 50 council offices across Maldives

Chinese government has committed to funding the construction of council office buildings in 50 islands across Maldives, following the signing of a Letter of Exchange between both countries.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, and Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib.

The project aims to address the space constraints faced by many island council offices across the country.

Minister Muththalib said the initiative follows a proposal submitted by the Maldivian government and will be technically managed by the Ministry of Construction, while overall implementation will be overseen by the Ministry of Cities and Local Government.

"This is a Chinese grant-funded project and will be carried out in several stages in accordance with China Aid protocols,” said Muththalib.

“Each phase will involve new agreements before progressing to the next."

The project will be rolled out in two phases. Phase one includes the construction of 30 council buildings (Type 1), with the remaining 20 (Type 2) to follow.

A technical team from China is expected to arrive in the Maldives soon to begin feasibility studies.

Chinese Ambassador Kong said the project would directly benefit local communities and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“When completed, these council offices will provide improved public services and working environments across the islands,” he added.

- Haa Alifu atoll Vashafaru, Ihavandhoo, Dhidhdhoo

- Haa Dhaalu atoll Kumundhoo, Neykurendhoo, Vaikaradhoo

- Shaviyani atoll Feydhoo, Komadhoo, Goidhoo, Narudhoo

- Noonu atoll Henbadhoo. Lhohi, Fodhdhoo, Manadhoo, Magoodhoo, Landhoo

- Raa atoll Vaadhoo, Hulhudhuffaaru

- Baa atoll Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu, Fehendhoo, Eydhafushi, THulhaadhoo, Kihaadhoo

- Lhaviyani atoll Kurendhoo

- Kaafu atoll Himmafushi, Kaashodhoo, Guraidhoo, Gaafaru

- Alifu Dhaalu atoll Kunburudhoo, Mahinadhoo, Fenfushi

- Meemu atoll Muli, Dhiggaru, Mulah

- Faafu atoll Feeali

- Dhaalu atoll Hulhudheli, Bandidhoo

- Thaa atoll Omadhoo, Gaadihfushi,Buruni, Guraidhoo, Veymandoo

_ Laamu atoll Maabaidhoo, Kunahandhoo, Maavah

- Gaafu Alifu atoll Maamendhoo, Nilandhoo

- Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Madaveli

Minister of Cities and Local Government Adam Shareef noted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had prioritized the project after observing the poor condition of many local government offices during recent island visits.

“This is a key national priority. The new buildings will help deliver better services and decentralized governance to the people,” he said.