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President Solih addresses parliament's inaugural session

Nafaahath Ibrahim
04 February 2021, MVT 14:57
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih delivers the presidential address at the parliament's 2021 inaugural session. PHOTO: PARLIAMENT
Nafaahath Ibrahim
04 February 2021, MVT 14:57

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Monday, delivered the presidential address at the parliament's 2021 inaugural session.

During the address, he urged for public support to the government's COVID-19 recovery efforts, particularly at a time when a mass vaccination drive was just kicked off with the intention to inoculate the entire population within the next six months. He asserted that every possible step has been taken to ensure the safety of the vaccine.

He asserted that it is the government's highest priority to recover from the pandemic as soon as possible, so that they may focus on delivery the pledges made to the citizens.

Hence, steps have been taken to protect the country’s economy and provide assistance to those with financial plights while keeping people health at the forefront of their priorities as per the President.

"17,147 who were unemployed due to COVID-19 received a total of MVR 221.1 million till the end of December last year’. Further ‘the government has allocated MVR 400 million in this year’s budget to continue lending loans to support small and medium enterprises,”

During the annual address, the President stressed that the government remained committed to deliver on its promise of decentralization despite the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.

"Two crucial aspects to realizing this goal is ensuring high quality infrastructure nationwide and improving connectivity throughout the country’s atolls and islands. This will ensure that all of our citizens, not just those residing in the capital, can enjoy all the benefits of modernity, including ease of access to travel," said President Solih.

He noted that the opening of Haa Alifu Hoarafushi airport in 2020, as well as plans to commence work to build five more airports this year was part of achieving this vision.

The five new airports are to be built on Muli in Meemu Atoll, Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, and Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll.

The president spoke of the government's aim to revive work pertinent to inaugurating a high speed ferry network for both passenger and cargo transportation. He stated that although the project was delayed due to the pandemic, the government is eager to move forward with it and hence has been handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

Additionally, President Solih pledged to strengthen basic infrastructure, which includes continued availability of basic necessities in all islands in 2021, highlighting that over 70 percent of islands lacked basic water and sewerage facilities at the time his administration was sworn in.

"This government recognizes this as an urgent issue that needs to be resolved, and is committed to ameliorating it".

Furthermore, President Solih spoke of various projects concluded last year, which were designed to meet the needs of people. He noted 14 harbor construction projects, coastal management projects in two islands and land reclamation projects in two islands during his speech.

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