This is a budget to fulfil pledges; will produce results: President

The 2025 budget passed by the parliament is one that would be used to fulfil pledges, said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, adding that he will produce results.

The president's remarks were made during his ongoing three-day trip to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls. Speaking at an event in Hoandedhhoo, President Muizzu said that his presidential pledges were made with the intention of fulfilling them. Reiterating that the government will make good on its promises, the president said that they faced economic challenges in fulfilling pledges last year.

However, this year's budget will allow to change that, said President Muizzu.

Hoandedhhoo also has many issues that need to be solved, including erosion and storm surges, the president acknowledged. As such, he promised to solve the erosion issue, and develop better roads in the island.

The President said that road construction projects are being implemented at different levels in different islands.

The top priority of the PSIP budget this year, the President said, is to implement housing projects. Along with that, health, education, water and sewerage systems and roads will be also be built in local islands, he said.

The council also requested the President to resolve the issue of the delay in the construction of the cold storage by Horizon Fisheries, which is owned by business magnate, Parliament Member and leader of Jumhooree party Qasim Ibrahim.

President Muizzu also agreed that a large piece of land has been leased for the storage plant. However, the government is not receiving rent from the plot due to the factory still not being completed, he revealed, assuring the Hoandedhhoo residents that he would try to resolve the issue.

He also said that opportunities have been provided to councils to increase revenue and expand the economy. In addition, he highlighted that

- The services of the island's health centre will be extended to 24 hours

- A good quality mosque will be built in the island.

"These are promises that have to be fulfilled. The government will give priority to fulfilling promises. This is a budget to fulfil promises," he said.

Although projects started during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government have not stopped, their speed has slowed down, said President Muizzu. Despite the challenges, the country is not going into debt and is paying it off, he said.

Of these, more than MVR 500 million was repaid in loans last week, he said. With companies such as RDC and FENAKA not having paid for the work done in the islands by small companies, the government will clear those payments within this month and next month, he assured.