National Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam has stated that the government will not rush any development projects and will give adequate time to plan the projects.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office to share information on the work being done by the Ministry, Minister Aslam said he is not concerned by the criticism being directed towards the government over delay in implementing infrastructural projects.
Referring to the experience of the previous government, Aslam said rushing projects without having a proper plan has caused more damage than benefit. Therefore, the current government is working on properly planning the projects and putting together a development plan.
"We will not see [positive] results unless we give enough time for planning the projects before implementing it. It will only cause damage to the country. It will show activity, but not taking the time necessary for planning will not give fruitful results", said the Minister.
However, the planning process of many projects have already concluded, and the practical work of these projects are being contracted to different parties, revealed the Minister. Work on the National Development Plan is also expected to be concluded and shared with the Parliament within a month, said Aslam.
"We are contracting out the [practical] work of the projects and awarding it. The plans are also nearly complete. We have full confidence that we can implement and complete our plans in its preferred order within these five years", he added.
Highlighting some of the infrastructural projects that the government will be undertaking, the Minister noted shifting Male' Commercial Harbour to Gulhifalhu, and linking Male'-Villimale'-Gulhifalhu-Thilafushi. While the concept design for the projects are ready, a consultant is being sought to further fine-tune the plans.
34 projects have already been awarded thus far this year, with its cost reaching over MVR one billion, said the Minister. This includes three projects on establishing water supply systems, one project on establishing a sewerage system, and 11 projects on establishing both water supply and sewerage systems. Seven road development projects and 11 projects to construct harbors have also been awarded.
Additionally, several similar projects and linking some islands via causeways have also been announced, noted the Minister.
Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam speaking at Sunday's press conference at the President's Office
