The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works has submitted a detailed financial proposal to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for the establishment of Public Works Units across 19 islands.
Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar revealed that the proposal, amounting to USD 9.1 million, covers the complete cost of procuring necessary buildings, land, and a fleet of specialised machinery.
This initiative is designed to end the current, costly practice of having to transport heavy machinery and technical personnel from the capital, Male’, for every maintenance project in the islands, thereby reducing expenses and improving response times for critical public service repairs.
"The administrative building and land for heavy vehicles and machinery have been arranged in the islands where the public work units will be established," he said.
The 19 selected islands, which are strategically located to serve broader regions, are:
Haa Alifu Atoll: Dhidhdhoo
Shaviyani Atoll: Funadhoo, Milandhoo
Noonu Atoll: Manadhoo
Raa Atoll: Maakurathu
Baa Atoll: Eydhafushi
Lhaviyani Atoll: Naifaru
Kaafu Atoll: Thulusdhoo
Alifu Alifu Atoll: Rasdhoo
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll: Mahibadhoo, Maamigili
Vaavu Atoll: Felidhoo
Meemu Atoll: Muli
Faafu Atoll: Nilandhoo
Dhaalu Atoll: Kudahuvadhoo
Thaa Atoll: Veymandoo, Vilufushi
Laamu Atoll: Gan
Gaafu Alifu Atoll: Villingili
The procurement process for the essential machinery has already begun, with Minister Adam Shareef indicating that the equipment is expected to arrive in the Maldives within the next two months. Each permanent unit will be equipped with nine types of machinery—an excavator, loader, grader, compactor, 15-ton dump truck, 10-ton dump truck, compressor, welding plant, and a trolley jack. Four additional mobile units will be established to enhance flexibility and coverage.
Once fully operational, the 19 permanent units and four mobile units will create employment for 516 technical personnel. The Ministry of Finance and Planning has already granted permission to recruit the first 141 employees for this major national infrastructure project, Minister Adam Shareef said.