The administration has a dual focus on both infrastructure and the progressive development of island communities, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has stated. He made the statement at a ceremony in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll, to mark the donation of solar street lamps by the Chinese government.
Minister Umar emphasised that a country cannot reap the benefits of development by solely focusing on infrastructure. “The need for progressive development of the people is essential for the country to reap the true benefits of development,” he stated. The administration aims to modernise the population through its decentralised developmental policy, he added.
The administration is working towards empowering local councils by granting them more financial authority and autonomy, according to the minister. “To eliminate the divide between the councils and the people, we are also undertaking significant efforts to bridge the gap between the councils and the government. For island development, there must be a strong bond among the people. Divisions and attempts to undermine others in the community will impede the island's development,” Minister Umar stressed.
One of the key projects under the Dr Muizzu administration is the promotion and increased production of renewable energy across the country. The installation of solar-powered street lamps in Maafushi is part of these efforts, aiming to promote low-cost energy production mechanisms, according to the minister.
Minister Umar concluded by reiterating the administration's commitment to both infrastructural and human development, ensuring that the benefits of progress are felt by all citizens.
The solar-powered street lamps were donated to the Maafushi Island Council by the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (YNPAFFC), an organisation dedicated to deepening cooperation with friendly nations. The donation includes 170 solar-powered street lamps, along with the necessary batteries and equipment, valued at approximately USD 35,000.