President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday declared that development project costs dropped by 50 percent following the transparent bidding policy implemented for government projects.
Speaking at the campaign rally to garner support for Ahmed Nizam, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s candidate for the constituency of Meedhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, President Solih accused former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration of corruption in awarding projects.
He criticised Yameen's government of contracting projects at inflated rates, and declared that transparent bidding has revealed their "real expenses".
"For instance, a project to establish water and sewerage system in an island for MVR 70 million; today its cost is down to MVR 27 million", he claimed.
The president stated that with the eradication of corruption, the state could utilise revenue to provide essential services.
At the rally, President Solih again reiterated the importance of winning the majority in the upcoming parliamentary election slated for April 6, emphasising that his administration could not fulfill its pledges otherwise.
He declared that his government's vow for the next five years is to establish water and sewerage systems, and advance healthcare and education in all islands of Maldives equally.
"The vote this Saturday will determine whether we return to injustice and corruption, or bring about the changes we wish to see", he said, calling on the people to participate in the administration's reform endeavours.
The president stressed the importance of electing lawmakers who supported the pledges he made during the 2018 Presidential Election, and urged the constituents to vote for MDP's candidate.
Sign In