MVR 1 billion to be allocated for housing next year: President

Last night, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that in order to solve the housing issue, housing projects worth MVR 1 billion will commence next year.

The President began a visit to Noonu Atoll yesterday, with him stating at a Manadhoo meeting that housing is one of the biggest problems Maldives is facing, and that a substantial amount has been spent towards that issue this year.

During his presidential campaign, President Muizzu made a pledge to find a solution to the housing crisis but added that it would not be possible for the work to begin in all islands within one year.

President Muizzu stated that a MVR 1 billion housing project would begin next year. Manadhoo is already seeing a few projects go into its developmental phase. The announcement of the 50 housing units is one of the said projects.

Next year will see an additional 50 housing units, with multiple projects split across the upcoming years to go into effect.

The government introduced a loan scheme under the "Hiyaavehi" name, specifically for the purposes of housing, with a small interest rate.

- Manadhoo, an island with a sizeable population, has been facing a problem concerning sewerage for the last 10 years. RDC will be placed in charge of coming up with solutions for the sewerage issues, along with fixing up the islands roads next month. A sewerage system will be put into place by the end of next year, followed by the start of the road development project.

- A new hospital will be built as well. Before that, therapy services and treatments for mental health issues will begin this year.

- The previous government handed over the construction of a school to the current government, with the project having reached 75 percent completion. However, due to the project taking too long, the project will be given one more chance and finished with haste.

- Establishment of a fitness recreation club, an outdoor gym and a volleyball court.

- The construction of an Islamic university campus.

The President said the government will pay special attention to the health sector as well. Among them, complete and all-round treatment will be provided, he stated.

"Every resident of every island sees this as a major importance and so we are working to provide every Maldivian citizen with healthcare, complete healthcare at that," said the President.

The President said that preventive health care and treatment of illnesses should go hand in hand. Multiple steps have been taken to better the healthcare system of Maldives, with many other steps being taken as well, stated the President.

Some health facilities will be completed and opened in some areas this month, with more work continuing in the coming months, he said.

As the President stated, an RTL ferry route will be introduced from Manadhoo to R. Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, so that residents of the island can easily travel for healthcare purposes. He went on to say that the routes are set to begin within November of this year.