President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that basic services must be provided to all citizens as it is a fundamental right of every human being and must not be made as political pledges. He made the remarks speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the water system in Naivaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih mentioned that basic services guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution of the Maldives must not be a manifesto of political parties. As such, he said that water, sewerage, health, and education should be provided to every citizen without discrimination and negligence.
Addressing the people of Naivaadhoo, President Solih said the biggest assurance given by his administration even before assuming power was to serve every island, atoll, and city equally. He said the water system in Naivaadhoo was established as part of that belief and assurance. He underlined that he vowed to provide basic rights to people regardless of his manifesto and the political belief of citizens. He added there is still much to be done in Naivaadhoo, assuring the harbour development project of the island will commence before the end of the year.
Furthermore, President Solih noted efforts related to development can never stop, upholding that the government will continue to provide services to every island without discrimination. Referring to statistics from Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the president highlighted that the government has spent over USD62 million on 199 projects without including the cost of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport redevelopment project.
Naavaidhoo is a small island located 290km from Male' City. However, the lack of basic services on the island is the biggest complaint of residents.