The people of Addu City have a broad perspective on development, and Addu City is a main hub of development thinking, President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has said.
The president made the statement while speaking at an MDP primary campaign event in Feydhoo, Addu City on Friday.
Pres Solih will go head to head against Parliament Speaker and MDP's President, Mohamed Nasheed, in MDP's Presidential Primary slated for January 28.
Speaking at the event, President Solih said the people of Addu City have always been at the forefront of every aspect of development in the Maldives. He said that the Maldives could not develop without the development of Addu.
The President said he remembers the sacrifices made by the people of Addu City when the main-ruling MDP was first formed. He said MDP would not exist without the contribution of those from Addu.
"I remember the sacrifices made by the people of Addu City when this party came into existence. Even today, Addu members are still with this party. The people of Addu have filled senior positions in the party. This party would not last without the people of Addu City," the president said.
The President added that Addu residents are at the forefront of every field. He also noted that previous governments had started work on developing Addu City but had failed to carry it out in a sustainable manner.
“We are here [facing the election] to develop this city with the will of god,” he said.
The President said the development plan of Addu City was formulated by the people of the city. The plan is now being implemented by the government, he said.
"The city's 100-kilometer road is currently being built, with drainage systems and pavements," the president said.
The president described the road construction project as the largest development project being carried out in the city after the Addu link road project.
"We are now working to add land to the city and develop tourism as we promised," the President said.
The president added that the development of the Addu airport is also underway, as promised. The works will be handed over to a contractor soon, he said.
