President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to reclaim land and build 100 housing units in Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
At a campaign event in Villingili, President Solih detailed his plans for the island for the next five years, which include commencing another land reclamation project to facilitate more economic activities. He also said that he will designate the nearby uninhabited island as a picnic island and that he would hold discussions with the residents on whether to build a bridge connecting Villingili and Kooddoo.
Additionally, President Solih said he has further proposals to develop Villingili, which he will discuss with the residents. He further noted that Villingili is a fishing island and should have means to store fish and receive payment quickly. As such, he pledged to increase fish storage capacity on the island by mid-2024 and establish quick payment methods.
Furthermore, President Solih said that fishermen will receive better payment for their catch once the United Kingdom (UK) reduces its import duty on Maldivian fish products. He also said that the Maldives has discussed conducting fisheries programmes with the World Bank, which has provided USD54 million to boost the fisheries sector in the atolls. He said that the funds will also go towards building two fish canning factories.