The Ministry of Education has cancelled contracts with 18 companies awarded to implement education sector projects.
Speaking to the state media, Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said the contracts for projects awarded to companies were terminated after the companies failed to complete the projects despite being given multiple opportunities to do so. The projects will now be reassigned to other companies, he stated.
Minister Shafeeu said that when he took office, the government owed MVR 280 million to contractors undertaking education sector projects. He confirmed that most of the outstanding payments were settled last year.
According to the Minister, 20 companies are currently underperforming in project completion. Therefore, such companies will be further identified and the agreements will be cancelled, he said.
Shafeeu added that 3,740 classrooms in government schools are scheduled to be fitted with air-conditioners by September this year.