President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government aims to connect all inhabited islands to the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service within a year. He made the statement while answering a question from a listener on a Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu programme.
On the programme, President Muizzu said that he has instructed the new CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to continue the development of the RTL services. As such, he said that plans have been made to bring in more vessels for the high-speed ferry service and connect it to all inhabited islands within a year. He expects the efforts to develop sea transport will provide more employment and investment opportunities when also considering the development of the airports.
The RTL high-speed ferry service is provided every day, and it has become a reliable service for citizens. The service uses air-conditioned, high-speed modern ferries. Currently, the service is available in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City. Most people use the RTL ferry service to travel for medical treatment.
On the programme, President Muizzu also answered questions regarding housing. He said that housing is a top priority for his administration and that no one will be left without housing by the end of his five-year term. He detailed that he would commence housing projects in different parts of the country consisting of 20,000 to 30,000 units. He added that soft loans will be issued for housing construction.