'Pledges are not make-believe, they will be fulfilled': Ibu

Opposition coalition's presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) stated Thursday that his pledges regarding the upcoming elections are not make-believe, giving assurance of these pledges being fulfilled.

While speaking at his subsequent campaign stop in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll, following his campaign trail to Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Ibu made numerous pledges to the people of Gulhi as well. Comparing it to the pledges of the ruling party and their candidate, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Ibu declared that the pledges made by the opposition are not make-believe.

"These pledges will take form! This is not make-believe. The proper procedures and funds to fulfil these pledges are clearly stated in the manifesto", said Ibu.

Furthermore, Ibu pointed out that the current government signed a contract with a Sri Lankan company to develop the sewerage systems of multiple islands, including Gulhi. However, he pointed out that development has not commenced on these islands despite surveyors having visited them.

Ibu also pledged to develop sewerage and water supply systems on every inhabited island of the Maldives, as well as to provide viable solutions to the housing issue faced by certain islands.

Ibu confidently stated ways to utilize the green tax obtained from tourist resorts and guesthouses, as a budget to carry out projects of nature preservation and environmental protection. Nevertheless, Ibu mentioned that green tax in the current government is often unaccounted for.

"Should we win the elections, the green tax funds will be transferred to the 'green fund'. And part of this sum of money will also be carried forward to the island councila. Additionally, the budget will also cater to waste management", said Ibu.

One of the pledges made by Ibu stipulates a well-planned process of waste management and the introduction of the 'waste-to-energy' medium.

As voting day approaches, Ibu highlighted the number of things that need change. Additionally, he mentioned that most islands are in dire need of change including Gulhi, and that with the majority of the people's support, the oppostion will win the elections.