President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that this Administration intends to carry out a national programme promoting Islamic unity and history, and to boost religious and national spirit among Maldivians, especially among students and youth. He stated that the project will commence in the following months. The President made this remark while delivering this year’s Presidential Address today, at the opening session of the People’s Majlis for 2017.

In his address, the President highlighted that an increased number of impactful development projects have been carried out within the last year; at a previously unprecedented speed. He further stated that the biggest social challenge faced in the Maldives is a shortage of housing and as part of the Administration’s Social Housing Projects, construction of a total of 1,500 housing units have been completed in Hulhumalé, GA. Vilingili, GDh. Thinadhoo, Gn. Fuvammulah and Addu City. The President also said that 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 is scheduled to commence during this year.

The President highlighted the Government’s undertakings to overcome the challenges being faced by the Maldivian people, and for national development. In this regard, the President spoke extensively on the milestones achieved, and the Government’s future plans in the social, economic and urban development sectors.

During the Presidential address, President Yameen shed light on the work carried out by the Administration to train the youth population for the job market. He further noted that within the past three years socio-economic, urban development projects and productivity increasing initiative undertaken by the Administration has created an estimate of 64,000 jobs for the youth all over the country. He also stated that it is one of the key pledges of the Administration to create 94,000 jobs; under the youth manifesto. Taking into account the number of resorts to be opened this year, as well as the main projects to be commenced, the President highlighted that 2017 will be rich in job opportunities.

He further said that with the changes brought to the education system regarding capability, skills and needs of school-aged children, and to include all children in the school system, a vocational stream was introduced, whereby 40% of students are now enrolled in skills training for different industries in the Maldives.

During the Presidential address President Yameen noted that last year the administration accorded the highest priority towards establishing all new health services at IGMH. In this regard IGMH established, and commenced services of, the National Cardiac Centre; with a National Uro-Renal and Fertility Centre also established where patients are being treated for kidney diseases and renal issues said the President.

Speaking further, the President highlighted that, last year the commencement of digital x-ray services at IGMH realised an important step towards the use of the latest technology in treatment.
President Yameen also shed light on the progress of the development work within the special economic zone, and stated that the detailed development plan for the I-haven project, which is to be commenced in the north of the Maldives, will be completed by April this year. He also said that this will be followed by a drive to secure foreign investments in order to commence physical work on the project.

The President further shed light on projects carried out during the last year to increase economic investment in the Maldives, stating that major investments projects were undertaken towards improving airport and seaport facilities to ease the transportation difficulties in the Maldives. He also stated that, the Administration has spent a total of 900 million US dollars within the past three years for the development of Velana International Airport.

Concluding the address, President Yameen stated that the main aim of the Administration is to develop and to enhance the quality of life within the community and the prompt fulfilment of the pledges by the government to the public. Therefore, this Administration affords top priority to ensure that Maldives is a welcoming climate for all kinds of investments. He further highlighted that during its first three years this Administration has undertaken several successful developmental projects across the country. Moreover, the President reiterated to the members of the Maldivian Parliament that this Administration will continue to constantly work on bringing prosperity to the country in the coming days.