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- Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 200
Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 200
Discover latest updates of the Government
The President's Office
December 24, 2024
Date: December 24, 2024 | Issue 200
President Dr Muizzu conveys Independence Day Greetings to the President and Prime Minister of Libya
His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, on Tuesday, extended felicitations to His Excellency Mohamed Younis A. Menfi, the President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya, and His Excellency Abdulhamid M A Al Dabiba, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya, on the occasion of Libya’s Independence Day.
In his messages, the President conveyed greetings and good wishes from the Government and people of the Maldives to Libya’s leadership and brotherly people. He further expressed his best wishes for the good health and well-being of the President and Prime Minister and for the peace, prosperity, and progress of the Libyan people.
Libya’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on December 24th. The Maldives and Libya established diplomatic relations on November 17th, 1975.
SOURCE : The President’s Office
Minister Dr Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to Libya
 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has sent a message of felicitations to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya, Al-Taher Salem Al-Baour, on Libya’s 73rd Independence Day. | He stated that he took the opportunity to convey his good wishes for His Excellency’s good health and well-being as well as peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of Libya. He also requested that Excellency accept his assurances of the highest consideration. SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
China Embassy donates road-cleaning vehicle to Laamu Fonadhoo Council
On Tuesday, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Maldives donated a road-cleaning vehicle to the Fonadhoo Council, Laamu Atoll. On Tuesday morning, the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works held the Official Handover Ceremony of the road-cleaning vehicle to Laamu Fonadhoo Council under the Yunnan Hand in Hand Program. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State for Cities and Local Government and Public Works Mohamed Ibrahim said the donation of the road sweeper to the Fonadhoo Council is a testament to China’s continued assistance and cooperation in the Maldives’ infrastructure development. “Today, we are witnessing clear proof of this cordial relationship. Fonadhoo is getting an instrumental road cleaning vehicle,” Mohamed Ibrahim said. Fonadhoo Council president Ahmed Riyaz said the council had requested the road cleaning vehicle during a meeting with the Chinese Embassy to clean and maintain the Laamu Link Road. | “The Embassy has responded to the request, and today, we are witnessing the road-cleaning vehicle being handed over. This is a very happy occasion. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese Embassy and the former Ambassador,” Riyaz said. During the ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires, interim of the Embassy of China, He Fen, noted the close ties between the Embassy and the Fonadhoo Council. Fen expressed her hope that the donation would help make Laamu Atoll a more beautiful and liveable home for its residents and an attractive tourist destination. She also emphasised that China would continue to support the Maldives’ sustainable development and enhance its people’s well-being. SOURCE : mv.China Embassy |
National Research Fund was established with an initial USD 648,508 investment
State Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Ahmed Shafeeu has revealed that the National Research Fund, with an initial allocation of approximately USD 648,508, has been established. The fund is designed to foster research and cultivate an environment supporting scholarly pursuits nationwide. In a statement made during PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, State Minister Shafeeu announced the establishment of the National Research Fund, which the newly formulated National Research Council will manage. According to State Minister Shafeeu, the Higher Education Ministry is currently identifying key areas and fields of research and formulating guidelines to govern the use of the fund’s funds. He added that these efforts would be carried out with utmost transparency. “To initiate the fund, approximately USD 648,508 has been allocated this year. The budget indicates that further finances will be allocated to the fund for the upcoming year. Consequently, we will be issuing grants to support research,” he stated. Members of the National Research Council, who have already been appointed, will oversee the management of the National Research Fund. Their mandate encompasses identifying research areas, establishing and executing guidelines for research grants, and determining the grant amounts. | The council’s responsibilities also encompass developing higher education strategies based on contemporary science and research, authorising and counselling authorities on research, and fostering the development of skilled researchers in the country. The council will also set standards to assess research conducted in the Maldives.  The council will also assist students, educators, scientists, and researchers in conducting relevant research. It will have the authority to establish standards for strengthening higher education and training. SOURCE : PSM |
Kadhdhoo Airport move towards a sustainable development plan
Managing Director of Regional Airports Ahmed Mubeen has said the primary aim is to upgrade the Kadhdhoo Airport so that it sustainably reaps its benefits. This Administration awarded the project to upgrade the Kadhdhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll to the Chinese firm CAMC in April. Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, Regional Airports Company’s Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen said efforts are underway to secure funding for the Kadhdhoo Airport project. He said several issues were identified when the project was drawn up and added that it is now being redesigned in collaboration with the relevant authorities. According to Mubeen, one of the issues flagged is the encroachment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) building into the airport expansion. He added that plans are being redrawn to work around the issue. “The runway and the new passenger terminal building works are underway, and we have noticed that part of the main building used by the MNDF is encroaching on the expanded area,” Mubeen explained. | “We are exploring ways to work around the issue. We are working with three or four designs. The biggest priority when doing this is to do it right. Planning it in a way that will prove most beneficial in the long run.” Mubeen also said the airport project is exploring commercial and trade opportunities in the area, adding that it will be submitted to the Economic Council once identified. He said the primary aim is to make Kadhdhoo Airport profitable. The development of the airport will add 5,000 more beds to tourism in the region, Mubeen said. As the first domestic airport in the Maldives, developing Kadhdhoo Airport to international standards remains a presidential pledge of incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Kadhdhoo Airport, the first domestic airport in the country, was inaugurated on December 6, 1986. However, it has attracted public concerns over years of neglect and lack of renovations under successive governments. SOURCE : PSM |
Minister Mohamed Ameen Meets with MTCC Officials
Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen met with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) officials. The meeting was held at the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The meeting discussed cooperation between the two sides to strengthen the management of the transport sector and expand transport services to provide easy access to services for the people.
MTCC was represented by the company’s CEO, Managing Director, and other senior officials. He highlighted the company’s efforts and plans to expand its transport services.
The meeting also discussed the need to work closely together to develop the transport system and to take urgent steps to improve the quality of services provided to the people.
SOURCE : Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
Fenaka Boosts Power Supply Capacity with 61 New Gensets to 53 Islands
State-owned utility company Fenaka Corporation Limited has provided 61 new generator sets to 53 islands in the past year to enhance its power supply capabilities.
In a booklet outlining the company’s achievements in the past year, Fenaka said it had attached special emphasis to boosting its power supply capabilities.
In that regard, 61 new generator sets have been provided to 53 different islands with a capacity of over 36.7 megawatts to provide sustainable electricity service in these islands, Fenaka said.
In addition, Fenaka said it had carried out electricity grid upgrades in 20 islands, including renewing electricity cables, installing new transformers, and ensuring electricity reliability.
The company said the new transformers carry a larger capacity than the old ones in the islands.
Fenaka also said it had prioritised expanding electricity services to newly inhabited areas and industrial zones, noting four new electricity connections covering 360 households.
The company’s primary aim in the past year has been to increase the electricity capacity in the most vulnerable islands to ensure a stable power supply.
SOURCE : PSM
NDMA assesses flood damage to 57 households after heavy rains
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that assessments have been conducted on 57 households affected by last week’s heavy rains.
NDMA said the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service (MPS), and Maldives Red Crescent received 98 calls to their hotlines from those impacted by the flooding in Male’ City last Saturday. Of these, 70 were requests for sandbags to block flooding, 21 were damage reports, and 98 were severe calls asking for emergency assistance to meet basic needs.
The authority said it conducted rapid assessments on 12 households severely impacted by the flood in collaboration with the Maldives Red Crescent. NDMA provided emergency accommodation and food for one day for eight households, accommodating 32 individuals. All affected individuals have since returned to their homes, the authority confirmed.
The NDMA further said it conducted damage assessments on 30 households in Male. Most damages were to possessions and building ceilings.
Some households in the atolls also suffered damage in the rains. As a result of the rains on 17 December, three islands reported flooding, including Hen’badhoo and Kendhikolhudhoo in Noonu Atoll and Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll.
Of these islands, reports of flood damage were received from Hen’badhoo, where approximately 80 households were impacted. However, the damage was not severe enough to require residents to be relocated.
NDMA has received the relevant forms from 27 households following damage assessments, and form processing is currently underway. The authority added that forms of households assessed in Male’ City are also being processed.
SOURCE : PSM