Government launches SAP; "the blueprint for a new era of development"

The government launched a “Strategic Action Plan” (SAP) on Wednesday, outlining its targets and priorities for the next five years.

The launching ceremony was inaugurated by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The SAP is divided into five sectors; Blue Economy outlining economic priorities and how it will be delivered in a sustainable manner; Caring State outlining priorities relevant to social progress; Dignified Families defining means to address discrimination and prioritise neglected persons; “Jazeera Dhiriulhun” describing priorities related to community infrastructure and services; and Good Governance representing key governance reforms.

The SAP was prepared using contributions from a variety of stakeholders including ministries, independent state institutions, and state-owned enterprises, along with recommendations from civil society organizations.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, President Solih described the SAP as "the blueprint for a new era of development" and advised his government to uphold the new initiatives, regardless of any backlash from opponents of the plan.

The SAP also has two main purposes – to detail a timeline for the SAP and holding the government accountable to it. During his speech, the president emphasized the responsibility of the ministers to enforce the SAP initiatives according to the given schedule.

The president, in his speech, highlighted the SAP’s comprehensive schedule for implementing its initiatives, an effort that aims to improve government accountability. He stated that the media or any regular citizen can, or should, hold the government responsible for executing the SAPs goals according to its agenda.

Additionally, the president called onto members of parliament and the judicial sector for support to accomplish the SAP’s measures to its fullest.

The SAP allows the citizens "to hold the government accountable by making clear what its deliverables are and when the results can be expected."

Also in attendance at the launching ceremony were Vice President Faisal Naseem, Home Minister Imran Abdulla, and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, alongside Leader of the Jumhooree Party, Gasim Ibrahim.