President calls to minimise conflicts and prioritise patriotism

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has called upon the people to minimise conflicts, to reduce the political colours around them, and to raise the national flag and national colours above all voices.

Addressing the people of Ga. Dhevvadhoo, the President said that development of the island and the facilitation of a better life for the people are more important than the opinion differences that exist among people.

President Waheed said that during his visits to different islands, one of the most common concerns raised by the people is the lack of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, efficient sewerage systems, and a developed harbour.

He said that even though these are basic rights, most islands still remain without these services.

Highlighting the financial difficulties associated with establishing suitable public services, the President assured that the government makes every effort to provide for the people what they need, as much as fiscally possible.

The President said that the purpose of democracy is to achieve development for the people, and questioned the point of democracy if it does not facilitate development.

Referring to some of the problems faced by the people of Dhevvadhoo, the President said that the harbour construction project, which is under way, should be completed sometime next year.

He said that work will commence next year to build a mosque as well as other projects as much as the budget allows. He said that the focus of the budget for 2013 is on education and health.