The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been awarded the contract to develop children's parks in 32 islands across the Maldives.
The parks were handed over during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works on Monday. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by its Financial Executive Mohamed Saraah, while HDC was represented by its Managing Director, Ali Zuhair.
Under the agreement, HDC will develop parks in the following islands:
Haa Alifu Atoll: Molhadhoo, Filladhoo
Raa Atoll: Hulhudhuffaaru, Maakurathu, Kinolhas, Innamaadhoo, Inguraidhoo, Fainu
Haa Dhaalu Atoll: Hanimaadhoo
Vaavu Atoll: Fulidhoo, Keyodhoo
Dhaalu Atoll: Meedhoo
Thaa Atoll: Veymandoo, Thimarafushi, Guraidhoo
Laamu Atoll: Maabaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Mundoo
Gaafu Alifu Atoll: Villingili, Kanduhulhudhoo
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll: Gadhdhoo
Seenu Atoll: Hulhudhoo, Hithadhoo 1, Hithadhoo 2, Maradhoo Feydhoo, Feydhoo
Noonu Atoll: Lhohi
Haa Dhaalu Atoll: Nolhivaram
Shaviyani Atoll: Kanditheemu, Milandhoo
Baa Atoll: Fehendhoo, Kudarikilu
The Minister for Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar spoke on the government’s commitment for developing a children’s park on every inhabited island to foster healthy growth and recreation for children. He noted that President Dr Muizzu has directed to complete all the parks by 2026.
"In this regard, we have handed over the development of several children's parks to HDC today. Similar projects have been contracted to other companies in the past. Over the last two years, we have initiated the development of brand-new parks in 57 islands. The equipment needed for upgrading children’s parks in 73 islands will also be procured, and park services will be established in 115 islands,” he said.
The children's park development project covers 57 islands, with the work already underway in 52 islands. The first batch includes 12 islands, with six parks being developed by Fenaka Corporation Limited, four by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and two by the Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC).
Under the latest agreement, HDC will oversee the practical development of parks in 32 islands, while seven islands only require park sets. There are five islands where work has yet to commence, and the State Trading Organisation (STO) has been contracted to supply park sets for a total of 129 islands.
The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works said that 33 percent of the mobilisation for Batch 3 and 7 has been completed, while 17 percent of the excavation and concrete works are also finished.