Monday
18th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Finance Ministry statistics show that the Government has spent MVR 102.8 million (US$ 6,697,114.68) on travels this year alone.
The latest disclosure came amid austerity measures imposed by the Government, with the senior figures of the administration seemingly exempt from these measures.
Statistics published by the Finance Ministry weekly, shows that from January 1st to June 30th, MVR 102.8 million (US$ 6.7 million) was spent on travel.
Looking at week-on-week statistics, at the end of June 23rd, travel spend was at MVR 95.9 million (US$ 6.2 million). Therefore, the Government had spent MVR 6.9 million (US$ 449,514.51) in a week’s time.
From January 2021 to June 2021, MVR 56.3 million (US$ 3.7 million) was spent on travel. Comparing for the same period, this year, MVR 46.5 million (US$ 3.0 million) in excess.
The travels and travel spend continue on in spite of the Government’s austerity measures. Even after measures were implemented, two Ministers had made official trips abroad.
MVR 16 million (US$ 1.0 million) was spent on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s foreign trips last year. The President is fond of travel, having listed it as a hobby.