The US has announced a grant of US$8.6 mn for infrastructure projects on tsunami-affected islands throughout the Maldives. The agreement will provide funds for water and sanitation projects, electrification projects, and capacity building for the Ministry of Finance.
“This grant demonstrates the American Government’s commitment to helping the Maldives rebuild after the tsunami;’ said Jeffrey Lunstead, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka & the Maldives. “Thousands of Maldivians should benefit from these projects in a sign of our deepening bilateral relationships.”
The funds will be disbursed overthree phases and will be put into the government’s Tsunami Relief and Reconstruction Fund. Phase one will assess existing sanitation systems and groundwater aquifers; develop infrastructure designs that take into account varying power sources between islands; and train officials in financial management software applications. Phase two will fund construction and equipment for the new quay, breakwater, sand filling and revetment for harbors, and install sewerage systems. Phase three will see the completion of harbors and power systems as well as sewerage systems on two additional islands.
