President asserts sustainable national development hinges on regional development

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that sustainable national development is based on regional development and that the government's policy is not to exclude any citizen. The President made these remarks while responding to a question posed by a journalist during a press conference held today at the Office of the President, referring to the congestion in the Greater Malé Region. He stated that the aim of this government is sustainable development, and to achieve this goal, after making Malé the Central Zone, Integrated Development Zones and seven Urban Centers have been announced in the two regions of the North and South, and practical work has begun in this regard. He said that with the help of Twin Otter aircraft, air travel routes in the South are currently connected, and work is currently underway to connect the air travel routes in the North by March. He also said that efforts are currently being organized to establish township hospitals and schools in these regions and to provide services needed for citizens' convenient living. The President said that once these things are implemented and services begin to be provided, efforts will also start to move people to these regions to encourage citizens' self-initiative. The President also stated that while such an inclusive policy is being implemented by the state, the government is running projects to provide specific services to each island. He highlighted projects aimed at providing services such as fitness centers, police services, ATM services, and health center services in every island. He stated that these services are being provided under the principle of equality granted by the Constitution, under which no citizen can be excluded. And the President said that these are planned projects carried forward for the benefit of citizens. Furthermore, the President stated that by implementing such projects, Integrated Zones and Urban Centers can be developed to the highest level to achieve medium and long-term development goals towards sustainable development, and as a result, the forced situation of those who migrated to the Malé region out of compulsion will be alleviated, and opportunities will be created for them to live conveniently from their own islands or nearby regions.