President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the public to alert the government if any development projects or activities conducted by the government fails to align with their needs, interests or expectations. President Solih made this statement today afternoon at the inaugural ceremony of North Ari Atoll Himandhoo Island Harbour. Speaking at the harbour, he stated that the government will continue to listen to the concerns and requirements of the public in planning development activities and that the government's aim remains to serve all Maldivian citizens in all islands impartially and without any discrimination, to the best of the government's abilities.
President Solih recollected the list of needs and concerns shared by the citizens of Himandhoo Island upon his previous visit to the island as part of his presidential campaign. He said that concerns regarding the harbour had been at the forefront of this list, expressing his happiness to be able to officially inaugurate the new harbour for the residents today. Highlighting that the harbour was constructed according to the wishes of the residents, President Solih thanked the CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and their earnest workers for the diligent work in ensuring the project is completed swiftly and efficiently.
President Solih also discussed the five islands he had visited prior to Himandhoo Island during this trip to North Ari Atoll, and the two islands he was unfortunately unable to visit during this trip, underlining that the main objective of these trips is to understand the wants and needs of the public. He stated that the government exists to serve the people without any bias or discrimination, and as we approach the new year, the government aims to complete the projects already initiated in different islands of the Maldives. Reiterating that roughly 90 per cent of all pledged projects had already been initiated and was in different stages of completion despite the difficulties of the previous year due to Covid-19, President Solih extended his gratitude to all persons and entities involved in ensuring the continuity of government activities and projects.
Speaking further, President Solih underlined several advancements to be expected in the following year, most significantly, the establishment of minimum wage starting January 2022, a presidential pledge. Stating that the minimum wage laws will protect the rights of employers and employees, President Solih revealed that final decisions were underway on the best means to ensure this, with input from stakeholders. He estimated that it would improve the remuneration packages for over 15,000 government workers and an estimated 13,000 tourism sector workers. He further spoke regarding pay harmonisation for the entire government, also to be established starting January 2022, in stages, beginning with education sector workers. He also noted that his government's budget allotment for the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services had been doubled compared to when the administration first came into office.
President Solih continued to address another major concern from the residents of the islands during his current visit to North Ari Atoll - high utility prices for local businesses and guesthouses. Underscoring that this government had harmonised the electricity charges for all residential buildings in all islands, including the capital city, he stated that he would discuss with FENAKA, MWSC and the regulating authority to find a reasonable resolution.
Concluding his statement, President Solih thanked the residents for the warm welcome he received on arrival to Himandhoo Island and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless the developmental efforts of the government.
The Himandhoo Island Harbour project cost approximately MVR 43.6 million and is 241 feet by 91.3 feet in size.
