Development should not be restricted to large islands: President Solih
With this, the current administration is undertaking numerous projects aimed at ensuring the provision of essential resources.
Male: Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih emphasized that the previous administrations neglect of low-population islands has impeded their development prospects.
President Solih made this statement during a campaign rally in Noonu atoll Manadhoo, expressing strong criticism of competing candidates, particularly People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
In a recent campaign speech, Dr. Muizzu said that concentrating on the development of low population islands while neglecting high population islands leads to a misalignment of priorities. President Solih countered this argument by asserting that resources should be allocated to every island, irrespective of their population size.
With this, the current administration is undertaking numerous projects aimed at ensuring the provision of essential resources.
“Another candidate has proposed a vision focused on catering to high population islands. The difference lies in our commitment to prioritize individuals, ensuring they receive what they deserve regardless of their place of residence,” President Solih said.
The President also directed criticism towards other candidates participating in the presidential election. He said that none of the remaining candidates advocate a clear vision. He added that their campaign strategies primarily revolve around personal attacks.
President Solih said that the policies being promised by other parties are already being delivered by the current administration. He highlighted the example of a candidate pledging that they would offer collatoral-free loans from the SME bank while such services already exist.
President Solih said that the policies being pledged by other parties are already being effectively executed by the current administration. He highlighted this by citing an example of a candidate promising collateral-free loans from the SME bank, which are already set in place.
“Another candidate announced their intention to establish a 1200-meter airport on an island, despite the ongoing development of a 1600-meter airport on the same island,” President Solih said.
Some policies the President aims to implement:
– Housing loans to be disbursed at a 7 percent interest rate
– Student loans to be forgiven under specific conditions
– Treatments for fertility issues to be included under Aasandha
– Free degree programs
– Easier accessibility to mental health treatments
– Availability of therapy for disabilities to be extended to various islands
The President said that no other candidate would have policies as structured, and they would likely struggle to fulfill their pledges.
“How will they be able to achieve this? Won’t they need to listen to their people to do so? We prepared our manifesto after meeting with every islands’ people and their councils,” the President said.
President Solih stated that requests of the people of Manadhoo are also included in the list.
Requests of the people of Manadhoo:
– Road development
– Solving sewerage issues
– Establishing an ice-plant
– Developing a local market
– Developing a skatepark
– Constructing a new jetty
– Dredging and developing a small picnic island
– Addressing the issue of island erosion
President Solih said that he was confident to receive majority support from the residents of Noonu Atoll.
