Civillians will not be forced to abandon their native land: Ibu

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has revealed that he will not force any civilians to abandon their native islands regardless of the island having a small population.

While speaking to the people of Hirimaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Ibu stated that he will not force the people of the Island to abandon their hometown regardless of the petition presented. The petition stipulates around 200 out of the 400 people residing in Hirimaradhoo to move out of their island in Haa Dhaalu.

In accordance to the opposition coalition's manifesto to uphold the island's lifestyle and values, Ibu stated that he will develop all islands regardless of a small native population.

Addressing the people of Nolhivaranfaru, the first stop of his Haa Dhaalu campaign trail, Ibu pledged to develop a number facilities on the island.

He highlighted the vast difference in pay between the street cleaners of Male and other islands, and further pledged a solution to this difference of around MVR 6,500. He addressed this issue due to the notable concerns among the people regarding this issue.

"I will find a solution to all street cleaners and extend the budget allocated for these workers," said Ibu.

Furthermore, he stated that should he win the election, he would swiftly continue the currently ongoing development of the sewerage system as well as the harbour in Nolhivaranfaru. He added that he would also commence establishment of the island's water supply system.

Despite having pooled the civilians of Maavaidhoo, Kunburudhoo, and Faridhoo to Nolhivaranfaru, he still pointed out the prevalent housing issue that still exists on the island. He cited a lack of housing for all individual families as the main factor to this problem.

Pointing out the incomplete status of the previous government's housing project, he vowed to bring this project of building 160 housing units to completion as well.

Ibu will be making further stops to all inhabited islands of the atoll during his Haa Dhaalu campaign trail. He has had grand receptions with a number of supporters welcoming him to their respective islands.