President Visits Manadhoo

President Mohamed Nasheed visited Manadhoo of Noonu Atoll today, as part of his tour of some islands of North.

Meeting the people of Manadhoo this afternoon, the President shared with the them the government´s vision for Manadhoo and the programmes it has formulated to realise this vision.

The President, speaking on the government´s pledge to provide housing, said the government would expedite the construction of housing units to be built in Manadhoo.

He, further, revealed his administration´s programme to develop the island´s harbour, stating that when complete, Manadhoo´s harbour would be a new, third generation harbour which would include all necessary commercial facilities and ferry terminals. He said the government´s aim was to make Manadhoo harbour a hub of economic development and transportation in the region.

President Nasheed also told the people of Manadhoo that the government was formulating policies to foster development of supporting industries in Manadhoo including agriculture and other trades such as carpentry and repair and maintenance, that would provide services to resorts around the island.

On the government´s education policy, the President applauded the achievement of Manadhoo School towards the government´s aim of increasing the number of students who pass five subjects in GCE O Level Exams to at least 60 percent.

Manadhoo School increased its pass rate to 50 percent in 2010 achieving a significant improvement from 2009 level. He noted that this improvement came after the changes to the school and teaching methods following the revamp of the government´s education policy.

In addition, the President underscored that household electricity bills have reduced, on average by Mrf300, after the people of Manadhoo decided to hand over the operation of the island´s powerhouse to Northern Utilities Company, which provides electricity and other utilities in the North Province.

The President also highlighted the government´s achievements in delivering its election pledges especially in providing social protection for the people.