President defends plan to expand basic services across islands
He said that he considers reliance on other islands for essential services to be a form of dependency.
President Mohamed Muizzu said on Monday that automatic teller machines (ATMs) will be established on every island to ensure that people are not dependent on atoll capitals for essential services.
Speaking at a public meeting in ADh. Mamigili, the President said the government aims to make financial and administrative services accessible at the island level. He noted that some have criticised the government for introducing services such as ATMs in smaller islands, but added that such facilities are basic services that should be available to all citizens.
President Muizzu said the government views the provision of services such as national identity cards, passports and infrastructure development in line with population needs as an investment rather than an expense.
He said that he considers reliance on other islands for essential services to be a form of dependency.
“We want to provide the people with basic things that will make life easier for them. I believe it is important that every island has access to those basic facilities,” the President said.
He added that work is underway to create a system allowing local health centres to communicate directly with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance.
President Muizzu also reiterated his plan to abolish atoll councils, saying that the current structure has made it difficult for island councils to function effectively.
The government has announced plans to hold referendums in Feydhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo this month to decide whether to form separate island councils instead of maintaining a single city council for Addu.
