China donates 200,000 energy efficient lights

China has today pledged to provide the Maldives with 200,000 energy efficient LED lights as part of an MoU for the provision of goods to assist in combatting climate change.

“Approximately MVR300 is estimated to be saved if the LED lights are used for 8 hours per day and if 75% of the LED lights which has been provided are used, MVR49 million would be saved,” read a press release from the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

The ministry last month launched the ‘It’s cool at 25’ campaign to reduce energy consumption in the country and potentially save MVR8,000 (US$519) – or seven percent – from household electricity bills.

Minister of Environment and Energy Throriq Ibrahim signed the MoU on behalf of the government, while Deputy Head of Commission at the Chinese Embassy in Maldives Liu Ching signed on behalf of the Chinese government.

In addition to providing an additional 250,000 LED lights in 2013 – subsequently used across 164 islands – China has more recently donated 200 waste bins worth MVR500,000 (US$32,425) to the Maldives.

As well as a steady stream of grant aid, the Chinese and Maldivian governments have recently penned deals regarding military aid and the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, as well as the Chinese promising to “favorably consider” financing the Malé-Hulhulé bridge project.