President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said the government is focused on interconnecting the developmental projects across the Maldives sustainably. He made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held to officially launch Zone 1 of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said the development of islands, especially through the RTL service, will bring about a social, economic, and structural revolution. He noted that providing islands with electricity, roads, harbours, and water and sewerage facilities is not seen as basic services. As such, he said the completion of these facilities will be the basis for economic prosperity in the country.
Furthermore, President Solih said that the changes that should come to every island in all the atolls of the Maldives start with RTL. He said the public has accepted the changes brought to the northernmost atolls in the Maldives and now the necessary efforts are being done to provide RTL services throughout Huvadhoo Atoll within the next year. Additionally, he said another 65 ferries are being built to connect all the islands of the country.
In conclusion, President Solih said the government sees a prosperous country in line with the vision of establishing resources in all the islands and introducing services equally.
The National Public Ferry Network is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, and convenient passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands of the country. In line with the Decentralisation Act, it aims to facilitate inclusive regional development by connecting people and services, accelerating social and economic growth, improving efficiency in the delivery of public services, and improving mobility and accessibility for all citizens in all areas of the nation. The government aims to connect all Maldivian islands using the ferry network by the end of 2023.