Solih honored for Addu development efforts

Addu City Council has bestowed a special award upon former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, recognizing his contributions to the development of Addu during his time in office.

The award was presented by Addu Mayor Ali Nizar, who expressed the city's gratitude for Solih's leadership and the transformative changes implemented under his administration.

Upon receiving the award, Solih reiterated the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) and his personal conviction in decentralization, emphasizing the visible development and positive changes that have emerged across the Maldives due to this system. He contrasted this with the challenges faced when powers were centralized, an experience he noted has been witnessed by the populace.

Solih stated, “In the light of that experience, we relinquished powers. I don't think it would be a challenge for a leader. It will make things easier. However, people from the opposition are always trying to centralise and amass those powers.”

He further elaborated that the centralization of powers and services leads to people congregating in one area, often forcing them to leave their hometowns not by choice, but out of necessity.

While acknowledging that reforms are always necessary, Solih asserted his belief that altering the decentralization system entirely would not lead to progress. He affirmed his commitment to defending the decentralization system, assuring that the entire MDP would follow suit.

During the MDP government's tenure, numerous development projects were initiated in Addu, including the Addu bridge and various road development projects. However, it is noted that a bridge connecting Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo, a promise made during the 2018 elections, and the modernization of Addu's roads were not completed by the end of Solih's term.

A primary focus during President Solih's term was addressing essential needs, such as providing modern power plants for water, sanitation, and electricity to islands of all sizes, with many such projects being implemented. Conversely, power outages in neighboring islands of Addu have recently increased, with service providers Fenaka and the government attributing this to negligence during the MDP's administration.