“Basic services and RTL are the foundation on which the entire country's economy is built”

Electricity, ports, roads, water, sewerage and RTL are the foundation on which the entire country's economy is built, has said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

While delivering his fifth Presidential Address, at the inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis on Monday, President Solih stated that the government aims to create a cohesive, vibrant, domestic economy. As such, he noted that this administration is implementing and completing the urgent social, economic and structural changes needed.

The President said the basic services needed by the people must be fulfilled to bring about this change.

As such, President Solih noted that the establishment of water and sewerage services in all of the islands will soon be completed. He noted that the issues raised in the transportation sector is also being attended.

Noting that all these projects are being completed, President Solih stated that power plants in islands are too being developed to the appropriate level, in the islands where there is the need .

Furthermore, President Solih went onto note that the value of land in islands will rise with the completion of ongoing developmental projects. As such, he noted that the rent of 2,000 acres of land in Fulhadhoo island of Baa Atoll before the installation of water and sewerage systems in the island was MVR 7,000 and noted that the rent price increased to MVR 15,000 with the installation of water and sewerage systems in the island.

President Solih stated that these development projects helped kickstart economic activities in the islands, benefiting the island community.

President Solih stated that the islands should be developed in a particular order. As such, he noted that the economical activities which are currently based along specific areas of the country need to be spread throughout the country. To do this, a trusted transportation system is needed to be established first , said the President.