President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the growth of Addu City is essential to the development of the Maldives. He made the statement at the traditional feast hosted by him and First Lady Fazna Ahmed for the residents of Addu City.
Speaking at the event, President Solih reminisced about the presidential election and said he was satisfied the government was fulfilling the developmental plans presented to him by the Addu City Council on the last campaign gathering held in the city. The president noted that many of the strategies mentioned in the plans that were provided to him by Addu residents were already in progress. He highlighted the major developmental projects currently underway, including the road development project, and assured the redevelopment of Gan International Airport will commence soon.
Furthermore, President Solih remarked that land reclamation was amongst the development plans conferred to him by the residents of Addu during the presidential election, and underscored that the land reclamation project will proceed in accordance with the recommendations made by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in an effort to mitigate any environmental damage.
Addressing the gathering, President Solih also noted the need for more accessible employment opportunities. He reflected on expanding the tourism sector and noted that part of Herethere Resort had already been operational, while Shangri-La Resort would be reopened soon. He also revealed that the building that housed Dhoogas had been leased to Gan International Airport to be developed as a large hotel.
Additionally, President Solih highlighted efforts to improve essential needs such as utility services and healthcare., He revealed that a new powerhouse with 41 megawatts capacity would be completed within seven months in the effort to resolve power shortages and that the government will increase the human resource capacity and equipment at the Addu Equatorial Hospital.
President Solih and First Lady Fazna are in Addu City as part of a four-day trip to the southern cities. They are accompanied by a high-level delegation of the government.