Nazim gives hope to Guraidhoo residents on island economy
"When I came to the island, I realised that no government has taken care of this island. The island, I believe, has been very neglected," Nazim said.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
President of Maldives National Party (MDP) Mohamed Nazim said on Wednesday that he will not leave K. Guraidhoo behind in his rule.
The MNP leaders went to Guraidhoo this Wednesday evening. They received a warm welcome from party supporters.
Upon arrival Nazim, who is contesting the upcoming elections, went first to visit with the resident islanders. H met a lot of people and asked them about their needs. Nazim's speech was also based on the solutions the MNP wants to bring to the people's concerns at the inauguration ceremony of the party office in the island on Wednesday night.
Nazim's speech began with what he saw from the island and the people. He said that when he looked at Guraidhoo, he could not see that the island had not been developed over the years. He added that he had not met any people who were content on the island that day.
"When I came to the island, I realised that no government has taken care of this island. The island, I believe, has been very neglected," Nazim said.
"I could see it with my eyes and I could hear it in my ears and felt it in my heart. I've been to a lot of homes and I've met a lot of people. I haven't met even one person who is content with his life," Nazim said.
Nazim cited some of the biggest problems faced by the people:
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Poor standard of living
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Young people are in debt and there is no way to start their own business
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Tourism not making enough profit for the island
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While needs are not met properly, most people don't have access to quality health care
After highlighting the problems of the people, Nazim's speech later focused on his vision for development.
"The development of the island does not come from reclaiming the island. It's not what you get by building a port in the city. The development of the island does not come from water and sanitation," he said.
Even though Guraidhoo has guesthouse businesses, it doesn't seem to be profitable, Nazim said. He said projects in an island can be considered a development only if people benefit from it.
"We have built a port in the island and land has also been reclaimed. But since the government has no real way to their administration, the people of this island are not benefiting from it."
Under the MNP rule, Nazim said he will find ways to increase the standard of living of the people of Guraidhoo:
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The youth who want to start the guest house business will be given completed buildings
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Will enforce nearby islands to carry out activities like Guraidhoo excursions
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Will give 90% of the green tax income back to the island
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Will introduce better health insurance system for Aasandha and make it easier for people to seek healthcare
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Will provide housing
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Will provide employment opportunities to the youth of the island
