In his first radio address in the New Year, President Mohamed Nasheed has reflected on the progress made in achieving the five key electoral pledges of the government.

The key pledges include establishing a nation wide transport system, providing affordable housing, tackling drugs endemic, providing quality health care and lowering inflation.

Nation-wide transport system

The President said the government was satisfied with the progress made in establishing a nation-wide transport network in the country.

Transport services have begun in several places, including south-central and north-central provinces, said the President, adding that transport services would be introduced in more atolls in January.

He also said the government was looking for parties to establish transport systems in the north and central provinces.

Affordable housing

The President acknowledged that while government has not started housing project, the government has found four companies for the project.

“The government is confident of completing a minimum of 1000 housing units during 2010,” Nasheed said.

The government has planned to construct 10000 housing units to provide affordable housing throughout the country.

Tackling drugs

Emphasizing that the government’s goal was rehabilitation and treatment, the President pointed out two detoxification centres were established in Villingili and Addu atoll last year.

On the supply side, he said there was a significant fall in the import of hard drugs into the country.

Health care

On MDP-alliance’s pledge of providing affordable and quality healthcare, the President noted the establishment and expansion of “Madhana” insurance scheme and the efforts underway to improve healthcare facilities.

He said decentralized administration through budgets allocated for provinces would address the issues currently faced by health care institutions.

Cost of living

On the pledge to bring down cost of living, the President said during 2009 the rate of inflation fell compared to 2008.

He said in order to lower the prices of commodities, budget deficit must be tackled.

“Restructuring the salaries of the public sector…is linked to [tackling the budget deficit].
“If the deficit increases, inflation will keep rising,” said the President.

Concluding his weekly address, President Nasheed said while the government did not achieve all its goals, the government did not lose its primary direction and targets.

“The government is steadfast in establishing democratic good governance in the country.”