A PCR machine for Covid-19 testing will be installed in Fuvahmulah City by the end of September 2021, assures President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Solih engaged in extensive discussions with council members of Fuvahmulah City on Thursday, where topics revolved around the 30-bed hospital to be established in the city, as well as other facilities to be provided.

Council members highlighted that the government had pledged a number of development projects across the southern city, a number of which have already been initiated.

The 30-bed hospital will have the capacity to offer medical diagnostic services, which the city currently lacks.

Within the upcoming week, technicians will arrive in the city to install a Point of Care (POC) machine for Covid-19 testing as well, and the PCR machine funded under a grant from the World Bank, will also be installed by the end of September 2021.

Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq shared several concerns and suggestions for planned and ongoing development projects in the city during the meeting, shedding light on the importance of installing fire hydrants and stormwater drainage systems to the ongoing Fuvahmulah road development project.

In addition, the expansion of the “Gedhoruveriyaa” loan scheme was also discusses, alongside waste management as well as social issues within the city community.

Touching down on the success of the loan scheme, the council members stated that it will be very helpful for residents. They also stressed that the housing issues in the city are required to addressed, with the incumbent administration’s assistance.

With this being said, Solih revealed that MVR 1.5 million has been allocated for housing projects to be carried out through 2022, in a bid to address the lack of housing for residents nationwide.

He went on to highlight that the government highly prioritizes resolving the issue of waste management and legacy waste, enlightening the councilors on waste management projects underway including the project by the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), to address the issue of legacy waste in Fuvahmulah.

Going on to shed light on the several social issues facing residents, councilors said that there are challenges in creating a safe and amicable social environment, stating that the community faces obstacles in admitting admit victims of drug abuse into proper rehabilitation programmes and city policing issues.

The president pledged to restructure the police service within the next three years under a master plan with the reforms introduced in the Maldives Police Service Act. Work is currently ongoing to increase officers stationed outside of the capital city. Solih added that the availability of effective rehabilitation services for drug abuse victims will also be enhanced under the new management of the National Drug Agency (NDA).

The president promised that the administration will always be ready to aid city, island and atoll councils and to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to swiftly address concerns within the councils.