President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said on Monday that his Administration intends to carry out a national programme aimed at promoting Islamic unity and history, and boosting religious and national spirit among Maldivians, especially students and youth. He made the announcement in his annual Presidential Address at the opening session of the People's Majlis for 2017. The President stated that the programme will commence in the following months.
In his address, President Yameen highlighted the Government's undertakings to overcome the challenges being faced by the Maldivian people, and for national development. He spoke extensively on the milestones achieved, and the Government's future plans in the social, economic and urban development sectors.
President Yameen said an increased number of impactful development projects have been carried out within the last year at an unprecedented speed. “The biggest social challenge faced in the Maldives is a shortage of housing and as part of the Administration's Social Housing Projects, a total of 1,500 housing units have been constructed in Hulhumale', GA. Vilingili, GDh. Thinadhoo, Fuvammulah City, and Addu City,” he said. “The construction of a total of 600 housing units in Sh. Komandoo, R. Maduvvari, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Hinnavaru, Lh. Naifaru, Dh. Meedhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo and Addu City Feydhoo is scheduled to commence during this year.”
The President noted that last year the administration accorded the highest priority towards establishing all new health services at IGMH. In this regard IGMH established, and commenced services of, the National Cardiac Centre; with a National Uro-Renal and Fertility Centre also established where patients are being treated for kidney diseases and renal issues, he said, adding that the commencement of digital x-ray services at IGMH last year realised an important step towards the use of the latest technology in treatment.
President Yameen also shed light on the progress of the development work within the special economic zone, and stated that the detailed development plan for the I-haven project, which is to be commenced in the north of the Maldives, will be completed by April this year. He also said that this will be followed by a drive to secure foreign investments in order to commence physical work on the project.
He further shed light on projects carried out during the last year to increase economic investment in the Maldives, stating that major investments projects were undertaken towards improving airport and seaport facilities to ease the transportation difficulties in the Maldives. He also stated that the Administration has spent a total of US$900 million within the past three years for the development of Velana International Airport.
Concluding the address, the President stated that the main aim of the Administration is to develop and to enhance the quality of life within the community and the prompt fulfilment of the pledges by the government to the public. “The Administration accords top priority to ensure that the Maldives is a welcoming climate for all kinds of investments,” he said.
During its first three years, the Administration has undertaken several successful developmental projects across the country, he said, and assured the members of Parliament that the administration will continue to constantly work on bringing prosperity to the country in the coming days.