A major project worth MVR 5.3 billion has been drafted for Addu City’s development, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking at MDP’s parliamentary campaign event in the southernmost city on Friday, the President said that this project is expected to last five years.

President Solih said this project will include road development, addressing power outages, as well as constructing public swimming pools and stadiums.

Highlighting that Addu has the second largest population in the country, President Solih said there are many areas in the city 'ripe for development'.

Also, expressing concern over the prevalence of drugs in Addu, he pledged to build the country’s largest rehabilitation center in the city, adding that he will also build an Islamic Center with a 200-person capacity, a library, and conference hall.

He also said that legal amendments will be made to empower and fund the city council.

At the event, President Solih wished the attendees a happy Women’s Day and said that the government plans to empower women by reserving a particular number of council seats for women.

He said that all school students will be provided with breakfast in the coming term and that SME loans for small businesses will be provided next week.

He also said that it was important that MDP receives parliament majority in order to fulfill the government’s pledges to the people.