President says youth sports projects delayed 6 months by Middle East conflict
He said work has now resumed and all projects are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028.
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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said government projects to develop sports facilities for young people were delayed by about six months due to the conflict in the Middle East, but work has now resumed and all projects are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028.
The President made the remarks during this week's episode of The Pulse, the President's Office's weekly podcast, in which he responded to questions on youth development and government projects.
He said the conflict affected supply chains and government expenditure, resulting in delays to several projects.
One of the projects discussed was the planned racing circuit, a pledge made during the President's election campaign. Land reclamation for the site, located east of the Hulhulé highway, began earlier this year but construction has yet to progress.
The President said the project was delayed because of difficulties in obtaining shore protection materials required for the reclaimed area.
"[Land reclamation for the racing track] was delayed due to supply chain holdups for necessary materials, specifically the shore protection materials needed to shield the site. However, work will proceed at full speed in the coming days," he said.
The President said the conflict in the Middle East also required the government to reprioritise spending, particularly because of higher fuel costs.
"Delays occurred across all these projects because we had to reprioritize expenditures, especially given the increased spending required for fuel, causing most projects to lag by about six months. Thankfully, we are now recovering and moving forward," he said.
President Muizzu said the government is developing sports and recreation facilities across the country, including fitness centres on every inhabited island.
He said around half of the fitness centres are expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the remainder scheduled for completion by the end of next year.
The President also said contracts had been awarded to develop indoor sports halls on around 15 islands with populations exceeding 2,000. The facilities will include seating for more than 1,200 spectators.
He said the government plans to establish such facilities on 25 islands, including Malé and Hulhumalé, during the current presidential term, with most projects expected to be completed by the end of next year.
The President also provided updates on sports infrastructure projects planned for the Greater Malé Region.
He said construction had begun on an international-standard surfing stadium at Raalhugandu, while land had been allocated and funding released for an indoor bowling centre in Hulhumalé.
He added that work had started on a futsal complex with training pitches, while land had also been allocated for a netball complex.
According to the President, construction of the skating arena at Usfasgandu has been completed, designs have been finalised for an indoor gaming centre at Sultan Park, and plans are in place to develop an indoor go-karting facility in Hulhumalé.
"Various stadiums and facilities for different sports will see construction completed and doors opened throughout this year and next year. At the very latest, every project will be fully operational by the first quarter of 2028," President Muizzu said.
