President: Bid prices for water, sanitation projects by previous administration alarming

The bid prices signed off by the previous administration for establishment of water and sanitation services in Maldivian islands were alarming, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking during an MDP parliamentary campaign event in F. Bilehdhoo this Wednesday morning, Solih said that his administration spent only MVR 27-30 million for water and sanitation projects, whereas the previous administration spent MVR 70 million for projects of the same scale.

“Today, from the proposals we have received when we re-open these bids, it’s clear the price of MVR 70 million projects has gone down to MVR 27 million or MVR 30 million,” said Solih.

He said that essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation and harbors can be financed based on the income made by the State.

Solih said that his administration’s pledges of establishing such infrastructure were made with full confidence in its accomplishment.

He also spoke of the need to introduce aviation services to F. Atoll.

“I see its need. I see how much the people want it. In Sha Allah, you shall see the establishment of an airport in this region,” said Solih.

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, during his administration, had attempted to initiate an airport project and a large-scale integrated tourism project in F. Atoll.

Yameen has accused MDP of shutting down the projects.

Funds were allocated in the State Budget 2018 for an airport in F. Atoll, but the project was never initiated.

Solih, during this Wednesday’s campaign event, said the Maldivian people had been living in a state of fear for the past seven years. He said that his administration’s reform policies were essential to protecting the constitutional rights of the Maldivian people which were disregarded by his predecessor.