President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated solving the housing crisis in the Greater Male' Region requires reducing congestion.
In a town hall meeting with residents of Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll, President Solih said the housing crisis cannot be completely solved by building flats and giving out land plots. The president stressed the need to improve public services outside of the Greater Male' Region to minimise migration to the capital city. He echoed the administration's commitment to decentralised development, entailing ease of access to public services in every region interconnected with a high-speed transportation network. He said the government aims to provide easy access to adequate health, education, water supply, and sewerage services to citizens living in all parts of the country.
Furthermore, President Solih discussed the developmental plans for Manadhoo and detailed the administration's approach towards development. Members of his delegation also spoke in-depth about the administration-led Integrated National Public Ferry Network project, which would introduce efficient, affordable, convenient, and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry services across the country.
President Solih also met with members of the Manadhoo Island Council, where the councillors expressed their contentment with the ongoing developmental work on the island. They also discussed their concerns and the most pressing needs of the island residents.
President Solih addressed their concerns and informed them that the ongoing water supply network project will be followed by the road project and assured them that upgrading works and the development of an extension building to the Noonu Atoll Hospital would proceed simultaneously. He also expressed his confidence in securing the human resources required for the healthcare sector before April and assured the council members that the government would work to seek ways to address their concerns.
President Solih's visit to Manadhoo is the third leg of his two-day tour of Noonu Atoll, during which he is accompanied by some members of his cabinet and senior government officials.