President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering public services and that the Maldives has begun a new phase of development. He made the remarks at a ceremony held to sign agreements to begin water and sewerage projects in 23 islands that lack access to clean water and sewerage systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said his administration is committed to ensuring fairness and impartiality in bringing socio-economic development and delivering public services. The president said the signing of the agreements is a testament to the government's pledge to deliver development and services irrespective of the size or population of the islands.
He also shed light on the challenges facing infrastructure development due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the supply chain, economic activities, and travel. He noted that establishing water and sewerage networks in all inhabited islands had been a top priority for the government and that it has never wavered from its pledges despite the challenges.
President Solih also assured residents of Male' City that the government is working to resolve their housing concerns and offered some details about the efforts at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure signed agreements with contractors to establish water supply systems in 23 islands and sewerage systems in 16 islands, at a collective cost of USD 60 million.