President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that he is pleased with the progress made by the government in fulfilling pledges, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking at a press conference, President Solih highlighted the progress made in the past four years and said that the government has been able to bring peace and stability back to the country. He said that the government was able to provide essential public services despite the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He noted the hard work of the ministerial cabinet and state-owned companies and how they were able to complete projects in the atolls despite the challenges. He added that the ongoing projects will be completed within the next two years.
Additionally, President Solih highlighted the positive economic outlook and said the Maldives will soon reach pre-COVID-19 levels. He detailed that the economy is expected to grow by 12.3% in 2022 and by 7.6% in 2023.
Furthermore, President Solih provided details on the projects the government commenced in the past four years. As such, he said that the government commenced 141 water supply projects, connected 313 power generators in 144 islands, and upgraded 77 powerhouses. He added that the government has also completed the construction of harbours in 44 islands, while 37 harbour development projects and 31 road development projects are ongoing.
Speaking to the press, President Solih further detailed that land reclamation projects have been completed in seven islands, while eight projects are ongoing. He said that 31 projects have been completed for the health sector, which includes the development of health centres, atoll hospitals, and regional hospitals. He also said that 16,000 families will be provided with housing after the completion of the ongoing housing projects, which include projects to build 8,700 flats in the Greater Male’ Region and 4,436 flats and rowhouses in the atolls. He added that 183 individuals have received USD10 million under the Gedhoruveriya loan scheme.