Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muthalib has praised the skills and capabilities of Maldivian engineers, saying foreign experts working in the Maldives also recognise their expertise.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Hulhumalé last night to mark National Engineers’ Day, Minister Muthalib said all development projects in the Maldives must take the environment into consideration, as the country’s islands are environmentally fragile.

He highlighted the important role played by Maldivian engineers in designing and implementing projects, including ports, causeways, airports and land reclamation.

“Maldivian engineers are a skilled and capable group,” Minister Muthalib said, rejecting claims that local engineers do not play a significant role in the country’s development.

He added that engineers have continued to provide valuable services at the forefront of nation-building.