President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom has staetd that in the past three years of his administration, he had been able to usher in prosperity and happiness to the public.

In his Presidential Address, President Yameen said that development projects were successfully carried out across the nation last year.

He noted that last year, ports of 13 islands were completed and 43 port projects were started. Jetties of eight islands were started this year to address the issues of embarking on those islands.

“As part of the work being done by the Administration to establish sewerage systems in the islands, projects were carried out in 56 islands at different stages in 2016. Of these, the design stage was completed in 32 islands, while contractors have been confirmed for 11 islands. Additionally, in 2016, sewerage systems were installed in 21 islands, and service commenced in 8 islands. This year will see sewerage projects, at different phases, conducted in 46 islands.”

“In 2016, installation of clean drinking water systems, were carried out in 40 islands at different stages, and this year 28 such projects will be carried out. Of these, the design stage in 19 islands have been completed while contractors have been confirmed for 16 islands; and out of the 16 islands where work had commenced, it has been completed in four islands.”

In his address, President Yameen said the Government aimed “to produce 30% of electricity needed for daily consumption via renewable energy sources by the year 2018”, adding that “work was carried out last year in 112 islands at different levels”.  He estimated that 12 megawatts of electricity will be produced and work will be carried out in 83 islands.

“Shore Protections projects in islands facing soil erosion were conducted in 22 islands, of which, projects were completed on 12 islands last year – six projects were assigned to contractors and work commenced during the year. This year projects will begin in 3 islands and installation of water drainage systems will begin in 3 islands,” he said.

President Yameen further noted that in 2016, projects towards establishing garbage disposal in 21 islands commenced, and provision of equipment required for waste management was started in 10 islands. Projects for building yards in 37 islands will begin within this year as well.

Noting that the biggest social challenge faced in the Maldives was a shortage of housing, President Yameen announced that under the Administration’s Social Housing Projects, construction of a total of 1,500 housing units was completed in Hulhumalé, GA. Vilingili, GDh. Thinadhoo, Gn. Fuvammulah and Addu City. The construction of a total of 600 housing units in Sh. Komandoo, R. Maduvvari, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Hinnavaru, Lh. Naifaru, Dh. Meedhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo and Addu City Feydhoo are scheduled to commence during this year.