Fisheries sector can bring prosperity with effort: President

With adequate effort, the fisheries sector of Maldives can bring prosperity to Maldivians, said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Visiting his last destination of his ongoing trip to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls, GA. Dhevvadhoo, the president said that the government would fully support the island in solving island erosion, harbour and waste management related issues.

Solving these issues would improve the island's fisheries sector as well, he said.

Highlighting that the government is now fulfilling one of the most important pledges relating to fishermen - clearing all payments within 48 hours of buying fish from local fishermen - President Muizzu said that other necessary measures will also follow.

“A lot of projects will be started by securing foreign assistance and from within the government budget to expand the fisheries sector and by facilitating fishermen to expand the sector. We need ways to encourage others to enter the sector, to boost this industry. The fisheries sector is in our hands," the president said.

He said fisheries is not directly related, and thus protected from the dangers and incidents taking place in the global community. As such, it is a sector that is in the hands of the Maldivian people to promote, he said.

"If proper effort is put in, fisheries can become the industry that will bring in the largest income as a percentage of GDP and enrich the people. So, with that in mind, the government is working with fishermen. This will be even better in the future," he said.

At the ceremony, the council's vice-president Ahmed Fazhad asked for four things on behalf of the island. Among them, he asked the government to solve the island's harbour issue and difficulties faced by fishermen as well as erosion. He also requested for an airport in the island.

President Muizzu said that since he had pledged to establish a city hotel in the island during his presidential campaign, he would have it done after conducting feasibility studies. Without mentioning the airport, the president said he happily accepts the council's recommendations.

However, he did not say anything about developing an airport in the island.

"Hope as positively as possible. I always want to work as the people want. I'm coming to the people for that purpose. I want to come to you and listen to what you want very easily. I don't just want the matters that come to me filtered through the system via letters when I'm in Malé,” he said.

The President shared some of the things he will do for the development of the island. These matters are linked to the people's expectations and if they are achieved, they will benefit families and future generations, he said.

This year's budget will include improvements in health and education sectors and the establishment of a pediatrician and X-ray services at the island's health centre, he said. In addition, a multipurpose hall and sports facility will also be established for the youth, according to the president.

The president also said that STO, under its CSR component, will build an outdoor gym and resume service of the ice plant. With accessing sea ambulance services being difficult from Dhevvadhoo, the President assured the service would be expanded to the island as well.