Assuring fundamental rights and freedoms and establishing essential services is administration’s primary responsibility, says the President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recalled on Saturday how previous governments had restricted the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people and failed to establish essential services and stated that his administration’s primary responsibility was to ensure those rights and freedoms and the equitable development of essential services across the country. He made the statement while speaking at the function to inaugurate the new power plant built on Maamendhoo Island in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Built by state-owned utility provider FENAKA Corporation Ltd., an administrative building was also developed as part of the project. Speaking at the function, President Solih recalled that the most prominent complaints raised during his first week in office were related to constant and unending power outages in the islands.

President Solih stated this as the reason for his decision to ensure the availability of uninterrupted electricity services on every island before the end of this term. He assured that the administration’s policy sought to ensure no significant disruptions to electricity services in the next 50 years. He also spoke about the smart metre unveiled today, which he said would bring ease to service providers and customers.

The President also announced new developmental projects upon consultation with the island’s council, including earmarking funds in next year’s budget for a coastal protection project and granting supervisory authority over the uninhabited island of Hulhimendhoo to the island council. President Solih also assured the administration would seek ways to include the uninhabited island under the council’s jurisdiction. The President also announced plans to enhance policing services and make arrangements to expand sports fishing.

The new power plant on Maamendhoo Island, designed to accommodate three 600 kW generator sets and an additional 800 kW set, can currently generate 1,400 kW of power. The old powerhouse on the island, located in the residential area, was built 22 years ago. After inaugurating the new power plant, President Solih toured the facility.

Maamendhoo Island is the last leg of President Solih’s three-island tour of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. On Friday, he visited Dhaandhoo Island and travelled to Nilandhoo Island today. A high-level government delegation is accompanying him on the visit.