Project Manager, Dr Ibrahim Waheed and Communications Specialist Ahmed Haleem met with Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Mr Adam Shareef Umar. With the placement of Communications Authority (CAM) of Maldives under the umbrella of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, the ministry will have a shared responsibility of steering the project.

Dr. Waheed briefed the minister about the current progress of the project and where it stood with the CAM. Furthermore, he also highlighted other key initiatives of the project that will directly and indirectly benefit the local councils, which falls under the Ministry.

D’MADD projects Component 1, ‘Enabling Environment for Improved Digital Connectivity and Competitiveness’, aims to support the Communications Authority of Maldives. It focuses on building their operational capacity by providing equipment and assisting with the legislative agenda related to the digital transformation of the Maldives. As such, the D’MADD project is funding technical assistance to review and update the regulatory frameworks for wholesale and retail broadband markets covering, infrastructure sharing, spectrum monitoring and open access to submarine cables; supporting design and introduction of standards for using green, low-emission and energy efficient technologies in connectivity infrastructure development projects. The project will also equip the CAM with necessary infrastructure to strengthen its enforcement capabilities.

Minister Adam Shareef, also expressed is support and interest for the project for the betterment of the local councils.

The Chief Executive of CAM, Mr. Ilyas Ahmed also joined the meeting along with Minister Adam Shareef and the D’MADD team.