China has extended USD 2.8 million in financial assistance to the Maldives to support the restoration of key government offices damaged in the December 2024 fire in Malé, underpinning ongoing cooperation between the two countries in critical areas of governance and public infrastructure.
The fire, which broke out on 12 December 2024, engulfed the building opposite Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu and caused extensive structural damage to the premises housing the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure. The neighbouring Green Building, which previously accommodated the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was also declared unusable following the incident. Since then, these institutions have been operating from temporary offices at the Dharubaaruge convention centre, relying on interim arrangements to continue essential public services.
At a handover ceremony held in Malé, Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua formally presented the financial assistance to Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer. According to the Ministry, the funds will be utilised to procure office furniture and essential equipment required to restore a fully functional working environment for the affected ministries. The support is expected to ease logistical challenges faced by staff and help expedite the transition from temporary facilities back to more suitable and permanent office spaces.
Minister Zameer highlighted that the assistance would significantly accelerate recovery efforts and underscored that the contribution reflects the strength of the partnership between the Maldives and China. He noted that recent high-level engagements, including President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s discussions with President Xi Jinping, have further reinforced mutual trust and broadened the scope of cooperation. The Minister emphasised that such initiatives play an important role in stabilising government operations after unforeseen disruptions and contribute to the wider national recovery process.
The restoration of the damaged ministries is viewed as vital for maintaining continuity in policy implementation, particularly in sectors such as housing, infrastructure development, environmental protection and climate-related initiatives. By supporting the replacement of essential office resources, the financial assistance from China is expected to help the government resume full operational capacity, enhance service delivery to the public and sustain ongoing development programmes tied to these key institutions.
advertisment
advertisment
