The Cabinet convened yesterday to address challenges in the construction sector, specifically the procurement of rock boulders amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and to ensure a continuous supply of essential materials.
Following deliberations on a paper presented by the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu directed relevant ministries to conduct a collaborative study on innovative, cost-effective, and resilient alternatives to rock boulders for coastal protection and harbour construction. These alternatives, such as construction and demolition waste or other suitable materials, are to be compatible with the Maldives' environment.
To facilitate this research, the President, upon the Cabinet's advice, directed the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises to provide financial support through a research grant. The Cabinet also decided to engage companies specialising in modern coastal protection technologies to secure immediate solutions to the current rock boulder shortage.
Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed a framework submitted by the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade aimed at strengthening national fuel and energy security. Following these discussions, the President directed that the necessary regulations and standards be established under the existing legal framework. These measures will undergo further technical review by the Special Cabinet Committee on Middle East tensions before being submitted to the Economic Council for final approval.
