Agreement to begin housing project in two atolls will be signed this week – President Nasheed

In this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said that an agreement, that will mark the beginning of government's housing plan, will be signed this week. Under the agreement, housing units will be developed in two atolls.

The President also said a further agreement would be signed to build 1,000 housing units in Male'.

He said with the completion of the housing project, affordable housing would be provided for a large number of Maldivians.

The government's aim is to build 10,000 housing units.

In his weekly radio address, he also spoke on land reclamation projects in four islands. He said the government was in the process of signing a 35million dollar loan agreement to reclaim land in Hinnavaru of Lhaviyani atoll, Thulhaadhoo of Baa atoll, Velidhoo of Noonu atoll and Dhidhdhoo of Haa Alif atoll.

The President said the aim was to develop Hinnavau and Thulhaadhoo as city islands.

In his radio address, the President also spoke on the vote of no-confidence, initiated by the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party-People's Alliance (DRP-PA) coalition, against Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed.

The President said the Tuesday's outcome was proof that there was confidence in the government. He added that although the no confidence motion was taken against a government Minister, its results show that the members of the People's Majlis had confidence in the government.

The President also spoke on the results of an opinion poll conducted by Mulee-aage (Official Residence of the President).

The poll show that while 32% of the people had said that they disapproved of his government, the rest approved of the government.

The President said there were improvements that could be brought about within the government and that such information was helpful in further improvement.