The Ministry of Sports Fitness and Recreation has successfully reduced the outstanding debt from MVR 160 million to MVR 35 million.

Confirming the payment of MVR 125 million out of the total MVR 160 million debt owed to contractors, Minister Rafiu shared this positive development during a recent press conference aimed at updating the public on the ministry's ongoing projects.

During the press conference, the minister briefed the media about the goals being worked out by the Sports Ministry as part of 'Hafthaa 14', the 100-day pledges of the government.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the Sports Ministry in executing projects initiated by the previous administration, Minister Rafiu explained that cash flow issues had led to the stalling of numerous projects. Out of the 232 projects commenced by the previous government, a considerable portion had been affected by financial constraints. The allocated debt of MVR 160 million intended for the contractors of these projects has now seen progress, with the payment of MVR 125 million kickstarting 64 projects.

"We were billed for MVR 160 million in debt. But in the last six-and-a-half weeks, we have paid off MVR 125 million as a result, we have started 64 projects at the moment," Rafiu said.

The minister also pointed out that the ministry had allocated the dues to the contractors from the budget and supplementary budget for the ongoing fiscal year.