Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has assured the administration would initiate all the projects included in the state budget, adding no project will be left aside.
Answering questions on the government development agenda and initiatives at the parliament, Planning Minister Aslam revealed the administration has begun 36 projects so far this year. In this regard, the minister expressed the administration has launched 11 projects to develop fresh water and sewerage facilities, 3 projects to develop fresh water facilities, 1 project to develop sewerage facilities, 7 road development projects and 14 harbour development projects. He noted the projects are worth over USD 71 million.
The planning minister also told the parliamentarians the administrations is currently negotiating 41 projects with potential investors, while 20 projects are close to be opened for bidding. He added 39 projects are earmarked to be conducted from foreign aid or donations.
Minister Aslam said insufficient funds were included for some projects in the state budget passed by the parliament for 2019. The minister said if those projects are prioritised and launched at the beginning of the year, there is a chance the initiatives would have to be put on hold due to insufficient funds.
However, Aslam assured those projects would also be launched by the administration by the end of the year. He added foreign aid and donations would be allocated to complete those projects.
The planning minister highlighted the administration has compiled a timeline to initiate projects.