President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday evening, stating that preserving national unity is a top priority for his administration, assured the public that it would continue to listen to the voices of the people and remedy their concerns. He made the statement in his address to the nation at the special function held at the Republic Square to mark National Unity Day. He was accompanied at the function by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem and other senior government officials.
Continuing on this note, President Solih recognised the plight of the Hiya flat owners and announced the government’s decision to extend the deferment of rent on the flats for an additional three months, until the end of March. The decision would address some of the flat owners' immediate concerns, according to the President, who expressed hope that the renovation work could be completed and residents settled in by March 2022.
On the occasion of National Unity Day, President Solih stated that it is marked to remember the exemplary kindred, uniting, and fraternal ties displayed by Maldivians following the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Adding that 190 islands suffered varying degrees of destruction, he recalled that despite the situation, we came together as one family.
Highlighting that the catastrophe caused the displacement of over 15,000 people and left numerous islands severely damaged, President Solih expressed his gratitude to the people for their exceptional unity and compassion in assisting the needy during the trying situation. He went on to recall how the lives of many were uprooted due to the tsunami.
In the efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, President Solih praised the work of volunteers who went above and beyond to provide food, water, and other essentials to those in need. He also spoke about the significant progress made in the efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, expressing his confidence in overcoming the socio-economic hurdles caused by the pandemic through collaboration and unity.
