President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to provide mortgage-free loans to carpenters for boat building, and establish a specialised training centre in Innamaadhoo, Raa Atoll, to train skilled boat builders. The President made the announcement while addressing the residents of Innamaadhoo as part of an ongoing visit to several islands of Raa Atoll.
Innamaadhoo is renowned for its boat-building craftsmanship, with many skilled carpenters on the island. During his visit, the President met with the island’s carpentry community and listened to their concerns. The main issues raised were the challenges in obtaining funds for their projects and the lack of local youth engagement in the industry. The President assured the community that their concerns would be addressed.
Speaking to Innamaadhoo residents, the President said he came directly to the people to identify their needs and desires with the aim of finding effective solutions for all issues.
Highlighting the crucial role that boat building plays in the island’s economy, the President pledged to facilitate unsecured loans through the banking system for boat builders to support and grow their business.
Emphasising the need to involve more locals in the boat-building sector, the President said he has designated that boat building must be a local-dominated sector. The government will establish a special institution on the island to train locals in the field to ensure this, he added.
Recognising the challenges faced by local councils in allocating land for such activities, the President said arrangements would be made to enable long term land leases for income-generating setups. In this regard, leases of up to 20 years will be arranged, he added.
“We will facilitate the path for youth who want to move forward in this field to pursue it. It is my desire to see trained Maldivians dominating this sector and thriving,” the President said.
In addition to supporting boat builders, the President acknowledged the extensive development needs of the island. He assured the residents that the projects will be expedited and implemented according to their wishes, and pledged to tackle the housing constraints faced by the island effectively.
“Hopefully, as soon as the island Council allocates land for housing initiatives, and once a contractor is arranged, a 50-unit housing initiative will be implemented on this island,” the President vowed.
Speaking on education, the President pledged to increase the resources available at the island’s school. On healthcare, he confirmed plans to expand the island’s health centre’s space and extend its service hours. The President further highlighted plans to establish sports facilities, protecting the island’s eroding areas and resolving issues in the island’s sewerage system over the next two years.