Want to develop Addu to the same level as Male’ City: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared Thursday night that the government wishes to develop Addu City to the same standard and level as Male’ City.

Speaking at the campaign event held with the election candidates vying for various Constituencies of Addu City under People's National Congress (PNC)'s ticket, the President stated that instead of letting Male’ remain the only prospered city in the country, he wants to advance Addu City to the same level.

Remarking that sustainable development can only be brought to the region once the four southernmost atolls are converted into an integrated zone, he asserted that the government aims to develop seven regions in the country in additional to establishing such a zone in the southernmost four atolls.

“Sustainable development cannot be brought without proceeding development in a manner such as this.”

He asserted that this is a subject that multiple administrations have been contemplating and debating about. However, he added, no practical action has been implemented towards applying the characteristics of this development. While Addu City is being development as the primary hub in the southernmost region, President Muizzu assured that this government realize the developmental aspirations of Addu City citizens.

He remarked that governments do not normally commence developmental projects at the beginning of their term and affirmed that on the contrary, this governments intends to begin these processes as soon as possible as opposed to leaving it for the end of their term.

“It is not sincerity if work begins towards the end of the term when a five-year term has been assigned. I have [previously] stated that governance is a huge commitment; that it is a responsibility.” said the President.

He had highlighted that the government incorporated projects into the Week 14 roadmap and initiated these projects in order to bring forth a change. He stated that while the Hithadhoo-Hulhumeedhoo bridge project has been contracted to an Egyptian company last month, surveys on the regional maritime area were proceeded and one third of the design work has been completed.

“Physical work on the bridge will commence before the end of this year. I want the bridge to be completed without leaving it for 2028.”

He maintained that despite the mockery of the opposition claiming that the bridge is being built to accommodate the motorcycles of around 30 people, the city will be provided significant eases through this bridge.

However, he had emphasized that regardless of the government’s aims to proceed with such projects, the parliament holds the power to disrupt and stop these procedures. Recalling that multiple difficulties has been presented through the parliament during the span of the last four months, he urged the people not to endorse this chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for the 21st of this month.

He ascertained that he is someone who will fulfil pledges as per his word.

The President remarked that the ‘Hankede’ Integrated Tourism Development Project is also at a point where practical work can be begun. He had further criticized the former government’s construction of roads and declared that tarmac will be laid on the roads that were developed in poor condition with a pile of cement poured on it. He assured that Road Development Corporation will be assigned with the task and the project will be begun.

“Trust me, not a second, not a minute will be wasted.”

He had implored the people to support People’s National Congress (PNC) candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections and reiterated that ballots must be cast with the city as the priority instead of a political agenda.