NEW DELHI, Jan 18: The first grant project of 2021 funded by India for the ‘Ekuveni’ synthetic running track in Male, Maldives was inaugurated on 16 January at a befitting ceremony graced by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih the President of Maldives and Sanjay Sudhir, Indian High Commissioner to Maldives.
The inauguration signals the commencement of the 8th Indian grant project in the Maldives, which has been, accomplished in the last six months. Both Solih and Sanjay Sudhir were part of a limited over cricket match, the opening event was followed by a relay race and showcase-events by special-needs children.
The Ekuveni project is part of a broader set of 30 high-impact community development projects that are being, undertaken throughout the Maldives, with a cumulative financial investment of MVR 200 million (USD 13 million) from India.
The Ekuveni running track an iconic open space in, the capital city of Male is the only track with universal specifications in the Maldives. The modern state-of-the-art running track is, built to make the space more accessible for fitness, sports and athletic activities, while at the same supporting professionals and the residents of Male.
Work on the Ekuveni running track and cricket ground began during the pandemic times in September 2020 and was undertaken and completed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. The ground-breaking ceremony for the project was held on, 09 November 2020 by Harsh Vardhan Shringla Foreign Secretary India and Ahmed Mahloof Sports Minister.
The Indian high commission in the Maldives mentioned in a statement, India is honoured to financially help the remodelling and reconstruction of Male’s iconic sports arena. The Ekuveni track will foster a healthy lifestyle, one of President Solih’s most important promises.
The list of few other projects undertaken under Indian grant assistance includes:
- Convention Centre in Ukulhas,
- the construction of streetlights in Kolhufushi,
- the establishment of Vaani Police Centre,
- the supply of ‘Vehicles and Equipment’ to the Male City council,
- the Goidhoo-Fehendhoo School Ferry,
- the provision of outdoor gym facilities, on 61 islands and 67 Children’s Parks spread throughout the Atoll.
Over the next 2-3 months, India is looking forward to the inauguration of ‘Rasdhoo Coastal Conservation Scheme’, the ‘Wetland Park’ in Faresmathoda, the renovated ‘My Home – Fiyavathi’ orphanage in Hulhumale, ‘Central Park’ and the renovated Jetty in Hulhumale, the Lhohi and Kinolhas school classrooms.
With a particular focus on the growth of the city of Addu, India is also aiding in setting up 3, fish-processing plants, 5 eco-tourism zones and a drug-detoxification centre in Addu. In the northern islands, India’s grant assistance includes the development of a bottled-water plant in Hoarafushi and a soil-testing lab at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Research Centre.
(Venkatesh Iyer)
