The construction of new hospitals in seven islands with the assistance of the Kuwait Fund is being delayed due to a delay in receiving "no objection" letters from the Kuwait Fund, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said.
Minister Ameer said this in response to a question asked by Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq at Wednesday's Parliament sitting.
Earlier on March 7, Minister Ameer said the hospital projects of seven islands would be awarded to contractors within one week. Noting the minister's previous estimate, MP Mohamed asked for clarification on how long it would take to hand over the work and the expected date for the start of the practical work.
In his reply, Minister Ameer said that no objection is required for projects carried out with foreign assistance. After a foreign-aided project is awarded, the parties are required to have no objection at the tender stage, he said.
The minister revealed that he had discussions with senior officials of the Kuwait Fund two days back and noted that the no-objection would be arranged very soon.
"I believe we will get the no objections within this week, and the agreement signing stage will be reached soon," Ameer said.
The islands where the seven hospitals will be built are HDh. Hanimaadhoo, Sh. Milandhoo, N. Velidhoo, K. Thulusdhoo, ADh. Maamigili, V. Felidhoo, and V. Vilufushi. Thirty-bed hospitals will be built on each of these islands.
