Ongoing Infrastructure Projects Require MVR 58.8 Billion to Complete, Minister Reveals

An estimated MVR 58.8 billion is needed to complete all ongoing infrastructure projects initiated under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, according to official disclosures by Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib.

The details were provided in a written response to parliamentary inquiries submitted by Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, who requested an account of the total budget required to complete existing state housing and infrastructure works alongside the specific allocation for 2026.

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In his response, Minister Muththalib stated that the precise estimated cost to conclude the ministry’s active project portfolio stands at MVR 58,831,473,267.

Addressing the funding structure for the current year, the minister explained that project execution for 2026 is being managed through a program budget model rather than itemised line-allocations. Under this arrangement, project funds are released by the Ministry of Finance dynamically, aligned with project timelines and execution schedules rather than fixed project-by-project line items in the annual budget.

Consequently, specific funding amounts were not assigned to individual infrastructure projects within the static 2026 budget framework, the letter noted.

In response to further inquiries from MP Shamheed regarding ongoing regional transport infrastructure, Minister Muththalib confirmed that physical development is currently underway on five contracted airport projects across the country.

The minister noted that these contracted projects are progressing through various stages of construction and stated that no additional funding beyond the allocated amounts is estimated to be required for their completion.

However, regarding the proposed airport development for L. Isdhoo and Kalaidhoo, Minister Muththalib disclosed that while the contract has not yet been awarded, the required funding of MVR 700 million has been formally incorporated and allocated in the budget.