President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the utility bill discounts offered to the public during Ramadan last year will be offered again for the upcoming Ramadan. The President made the announcement while addressing the people of Mathiveri, Alifu Alifu Atoll as part of his ongoing tour to select islands in the Alifu Alifu and Kaafu Atolls.
Last year, the government offered to harmonise the electricity and water bills of households to ensure that the amount billed in Ramadan, which typically sees increased usage, remained consistent with the average bill of previous months. This marks the first time such a discount has been offered to all citizens during Ramadan, with the total discount given for water and electricity exceeding USD 9.2 million.
In his address, the President said in addition to offering the same discounts for the upcoming Ramadan, other assistance will also be provided to the people, aiming to ease financial burdens on households.
"Not many days remain until Ramadan. In the same manner we offered discounts last Ramadan, we will offer the same discount again next Ramadan, God willing. We will provide as much assistance as possible to reduce expenses and increase income," he said.
Last year, the government also distributed rice and flour bags to every household as a Ramadan incentive. A total of 1.6 million kilograms of staple food were distributed to 82,000 households.
The President had earlier announced that the government would sponsor a tuna case for each household next Ramadan, confirming that preparations, led by the State Trading Organization (STO), were already underway.