Minister of Planning and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam, has said that MVR 1.5 billion worth of infrastructure development from the 2.5 billion development budget has been contracted.

Talking to the press yesterday, Minister Aslam said that it has not been long since the contracts have been signed that the work of the projects have not yet begun. However, they will begin this year and progress at a fast pace.

Planning Minister also noted that there are challenges in finding contractors as some tenders need to be terminated due to some bid applications do not give accurate information which in turn slows the process. He said that aside from one project, all other projects remaining will be open for bid.

Minister Aslam said that the process needs to be transparent and the contractors need to be proven capable of the work they sign on for though a fair evaluation is a responsibility of the government.