President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has underscored the aim of the government is to establish clean water and sewerage projects in all inhabited islands within the first three years of his administration.
Addressing the ceremony held to inaugurate the sewerage facilities in Dhiffushi in Kaafu Atoll, President Solih highlighted water and sewerage services are a basic necessity which should be accessible to all citizens. He reiterated the administration will put in every effort to fulfil his electoral pledge of ensuring clean water and proper sewerage systems for every Maldivian citizen, by the end of his 5 year term. Highlighting the pledges to provide water and sewerage facilities to all citizens, President Solih revealed currently water facilities are established in 34 islands and sewerage facilities in 66 islands.
Furthermore, the president said basic services provided in the country are less, in comparison to the revenue generated by the country. Noting that should not be the case, the president stated in the 2019 budget, USD 102 million has been allocated for the establishment of basic utilities across the country.
Moreover, President Solih highlighted the need for a viable business environment for entrepreneurs, and assured his administration was ready to formulate a mechanism that would ensure complete legal protection for their investments. The president also spoke of his hopes to facilitate a blissful life for the Maldivian people. In this regard, the president said it was his aim to facilitate the local councils to develop the country as part of decentralized governance, and amend the Decentralisation Act in an effort to empower the councils and best provide the true island life for the people.
The sewerage facility in Dhiffushi was established by Alifulhu Thuthu Foundation and Meeru Island Resort and Spa with a budget of USD 4 million.