Fuvahmulah to become the IT hub of Maldives

The Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Mohamed Maleeh Jamal has revealed that work in ongoing to make Fuvahmulah City an IT hub.

He said this speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" programme on Wednesday.

As such, the minister stated that the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) will be conducting robotics classes at the Fuvahmulah IT Incubator.

Additionally, a network lab is due to be established next month along with relevant training sessions. Likewise, employees are being trained in Male' to be transferred to Fuvahmulah.

Furthermore, the minister revealed that a software development unit will be established in Fuvahmulah IT Incubator by the NCIT as part of the Decentralisation act. He added that the remuneration will match as the salaries given in Male'.

The minister also confirmed that the concept design of the project to develop a technology park in Fuvahmulah has been completed.

The minister further stated that these plans will be carried out as the administration brings certain policies into effect and that the ministry is working in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development towards securing investments for the projects.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih pledged to make southern Fuvahmulah City the country's information and communications technology (ICT) 'hub' during his campaign trail.

Additionally, the president made a number of pledges to Fuvahmulah including laying tar on all main roads and finding solutions to the problems associated with coastal erosion.

Noting that the city has produced great intellectuals, Solih further said that upon establishing an ICT department at the Maldives National University (MNU) 'Fuvahmulah City will house its main center'.

He also pledged to develop an 'open museum' in the city.