President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the development of the younger generation is vital and as such, enriching schools and equipping them with relevant resources was a vital aspect of holistic nation development.
He made the statement speaking to the residents of Hulhudhuffaaru, Wednesday morning.
In his address to the residents, the President said his Administration has prioritised enhancing and upgrading educational facilities this year and the next, adding that such investments would result in a better environment for students to pursue academic excellence and complete their education.
The President also indicated the Government’s plan to facilitate the powering of air conditioning units in classrooms by commencing renewable energy projects in schools, stating that all classrooms across the nation will be powered and cooled through renewable energy.
Noting that the existing school premises is insufficient for current demands, the President pledged to seek a solution for this. He also pledged additional projects for school’s development, in the coming years.
The President further noted that students from nearby islands have migrated to Hulhudhuffaaru. This, he said, exacerbated the need for dormitories – the construction of these is to begin within the two years.
President Dr Muizzu also pledged to complete a FIFA-standard football ground on the island and to develop a sports complex equipped for both indoor and outdoor sports.
The President reflected on the developmental priorities for the island. As such, he said the Administration would seek to engage with contractors to expedite projects that have been halted. He indicated projects to manage erosion and harbour expansion as examples of this, pledging to find sustainable solutions within a few years.
The President concluded his address, by stressing on his Administration’s focus on service. He added that he wished to make a return trip to the island, to mark the successful completion of the projects pledged for the island.
The President’s visit to the island also saw the commencement of ATM services in the island. As such, Bank of Maldives (BML) signed an agreement with the Council to start the service and Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) also commenced services for Hulhudhuffaaru.