Presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made a host of pledges for islands in Shaviyani atoll, including ones that will facilitate better functioning of the region’s health and education facilities.

Speaking at a rally held in Foakaidhoo island of the northern atoll, Solih said that the unity government the Joint Opposition establishes will ensure that the island’s health center functions around the clock, and provided 24-hour service.

Solih also said that his government will work to develop the island’s school, making it larger, so as to ensure that it has the capacity to conduct sessions for more students at the same time.

The pledge to expand health sector services in Foakaidhoo is consistent with the Joint Opposition’s pledge to do the same in Noomaraa and Narudhoo islands of the same atoll.

In Maaungoodhoo island, Solih pledged to expand the island’s school and have a multi-purpose hall built there as well as establish better bank services with easier access to ATMs.

In Foakaidhoo, Noomaraa, and Billefahi islands, Solih pledged to develop harbours so as to expand the atoll’s fishing trade. The region has more fishermen and fishing sector workers than any other administrative atoll in the country.

Further, highlighting ongoing talks to have an airport built in Billefahi island, Solih pledged to ensure that this project is followed through with and that a domestic runway is constructed in the atoll. This goes with the Joint Opposition’s pledge to bolster tourism in the atoll, and Solih has pledged to develop the uninhabited island of Nalandhoo into a tourist resort.

Further, Solih announced at Tuesday night’s rally his intention to change the system of administrative services provided by redistributing offices set up in the atoll. Generally, Solih had pledged to provide basic utilities, such as water and electricity, services to all islands.