President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed that the total energy capacity across outlying atolls has doubled in the past three years, in comparison to the past 70 years.
This was announced during the presidential address, delivered during the inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis on Thursday morning.
In his address, the president noted that the political transformation nationwide has been more beneficial to the people, “than ever before”, especially in atolls where people no longer feel like they are living in isolation and poverty.
Today, the Government intends for projects it carries out to be about improving living rather than just survival. Harbours, roads, airports, electricity, water and sewerage systems must be viewed as resources handed over to the people to boost the pace of economic activities”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President
Shedding light on the purpose of a harbor as being to ensure vessels are docked safety thus ensuring peace for the people, the president noted that the old harbor of Foakaidhoo island in Shaviyani atoll was unsafe for vessels to enter during the monsoon seasons.
With this being said, he revealed that the island’s harbor will be upgraded to ensure safety, before the monsoon season begins this ongoing year.
Touching down on the ongoing efforts to construct harbors in 134 islands that are at various stages of progression, the president stated that the government has so far, addressed the harbor issues in 28 islands.
While Malé Atoll Maafushi has been open to international tourist arrivals for years now, neighbouring Gulhi Island was closed off due to water contamination like many other islands. That was not too long ago. But as I speak before you today, Gulhi now enjoys an abundance of clean, fresh drinking water.”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President
Further, the president revealed the government’s aim to leave behind the hardships used to face the people, highlighting that the government signed the last remaining contracts on establishing water and sewerage systems across Maldives at the end of 2021.
President Solih went on to note that the construction projects for 240-kilometer roads in three cities and 17 islands are also currently underway, valued at MVR 3.4 billion, adding that the government has also build brand new, modern power plants in 39 islands, with the projects to upgrade 31 existing power plants running smoothly as well.
Stressing that solar power is the “most abundant” source of energy available to Maldives, the president noted that the government must aim to shift its focus to renewable energy generated from sunlight and the ocean as it aims to transition to a blue economy. This, he said, will be the best means to develop the economy while preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives for generations to come.
President Solih also revealed that in the past year, solar power systems were installed in 63 islands and that solar power accounts for 36.5 megawatts of energy generated from 128 islands.
He added that similar systems that have the capacity to generate 25 megawatts of solar power, will be installed in 89 more islands during 2022. The government’s vision is to provide for at least 1,000 households through the ‘Home Solar Programme’.
