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COVID-19: No intention to reduce civil servants’ pay, says President Solih

Ahmed Aiham
13 March 2020, MVT 08:59
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih addressed the public over COVID-19. PHOT: PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Ahmed Aiham
13 March 2020, MVT 08:59

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday revealed that the state has no intention to reduce the wages of civil servants as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the public for the first time since the government confirmed the presence of the COVID-19 in Maldives on March 7, the President noted that development projects will proceed as per schedule.

In reference to research conducted by financial institutions, the President noted that the Maldivian economy will be significantly affected by COVID-19.

Compared to March 2019, tourism within the first ten days of the month recorded a loss of 22.8 percent. President Solih added that 161,740 bookings were cancelled.

Although the government initially projected an eight percent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), President Solih revealed that the country faces the possibility of reaching a negative 5.6 percent in GDP. As a result, Maldives could lose MVR 2.6 billion to MVR 6.9 billion in potential revenue to the government.

Urging citizens to remain calm and observe best practices in hygeine, President Solih assured that food and medicinal rations will be guaranteed for every citizen throughout the outbreak.

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