In his inaugural address to the parliament on Monday, President Mohamed Muizzu presented a thorough analysis of the nation’s present condition and delineated the administration’s strategic initiatives for the year. The president’s speech underscored several critical areas, encompassing social sector progress, infrastructural augmentation in Malé and the peripheral islands, and the administration’s continued efforts to enhance healthcare services.
President Muizzu accentuated the administration’s dedication to social protection, emphasising individuals requiring additional state assistance. He also underscored the significance of cultivating a robust rapport between the government and the citizenry, highlighting the administration’s commitment to transparency and open dialogue.
Development of water, sewerage networks and harbours
The President pledged to develop water supply and sewerage networks and harbours on all islands currently lacking these facilities within his five-year term. Recognising that previous attempts to initiate such projects had been met with delays, President Muizzu assured that his administration would recommence these initiatives.
He stated, “Water supply is currently provided at an acceptable level on only 66 islands. Sewerage networks are present on a mere 101 islands. We aim to complete water supply and sewerage projects on the remaining islands during this term. We will also develop harbours on all islands with God’s grace.”
Nonetheless, the former administration, under the leadership of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had assigned contracts to establish water supply and sewerage network projects across all inhabited islands. A significant number of these initiatives are currently suspended due to a variety of factors.
Road construction and renewable energy expansion
Outlining ambitious plans for road infrastructure development across all cities and larger islands, President Muizzu confirmed that construction in Malé, the capital, is set to commence within the year. A substantial portion of the funding for these projects, he revealed, will be financed through grant aid from the Chinese government.
The president also committed to augmenting electricity services across all islands. He noted that the ‘Magey Solar’ project, a key initiative introduced in the administration’s inaugural 100-day plan, is designed to amplify renewable energy production. It seeks to provide the public with social and economic advantages that come from using renewable energy sources, he added.
Gender parity and women’s participation in governance
In his inaugural address, President Muizzu emphasised gender equality as a fundamental principle of his administration’s agenda. He affirmed his commitment to fostering gender parity within the political domain and in sports and other sectors. However, the anticipated gender parity has yet to be reflected in the cabinet as well as other government agencies.
Of the 22 ministerial portfolios, only a tiny proportion are held by women, with men occupying the overwhelming majority, 20 out of 22. This gender imbalance is also evident among the state ministers and deputy ministers. Out of 90 state ministers, merely 17 are women, and among the 163 deputy ministers, only 42 are women.
Improvement of health services and access to healthcare
Underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving and strengthening healthcare services across the nation, President Muizzu announced the development of a health information software that will collect data from all individuals aged 18 and above, aiming to assess the overall health situation of the population.
He further detailed plans to bolster primary healthcare services in 10 atolls, extending these services to 10 additional atolls. In addition to these measures, President Muizzu noted that the budget for this year includes allocations to strengthen the preventive healthcare system.
Plans to address housing issues
President Muizzu also pledged to enhance social protection by constructing 500 housing units designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In addition to housing, President Muizzu announced the implementation of dedicated policies to provide employment opportunities for disabled individuals within the civil service and government-owned companies.
This announcement comes on the heels of the administration’s flagship Ras Malé project, which encompasses land reclamation on Fushidhiggaru Falhu and the development of 15,000 housing options, including housing units and land plots. However, it is noteworthy that the handover of 4,000 housing units, developed in Hulhumalé under the previous Solih administration, has been delayed due to an ongoing corruption investigation.
Raising retirement age and enhancing geriatric care
A significant policy shift was revealed in the presidential address, with President Muizzu announcing that the government has embarked on an initiative to raise the retirement age from 65 to 75. He underscored older people’s invaluable experience and knowledge, asserting that these attributes are indispensable for national development. He further stated that provisions would enable these individuals to extend their contributions to the workforce beyond the current retirement age.
In addition, President Muizzu highlighted the government’s strategic plans to enhance services catered to older people. A senior citizens’ centre is projected for development in Malé Atoll, and a comprehensive registry of the elderly population is set to be compiled. The government plans to establish ‘aged care centres’ in three distinct regions, marking a significant stride towards improving the quality of life for the nation’s elderly population, the president said.
Commitment to media freedom, transparency and public engagement
President Muizzu also emphasised his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding civil liberties, media freedom, and the assurance of transparency in governmental operations. The government will maintain an open line of communication with the press and the public, withholding no secrets, he stated.
In a nod to the importance of a free press, President Muizzu declared that his administration will not keep a blocklist that prevents specific media outlets from accessing press briefings held at the President’s Office or other governmental offices.
In another strategic move to foster direct engagement with the public, President Muizzu highlighted the ongoing efforts to establish a platform where citizens can directly pose inquiries and questions to him. He announced that this interactive portal is slated for launch in the forthcoming month.