President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that the government intends to set a mechanism to centrally purchase all local produce.
Addressing the people of Feevah of Shaviyani Atoll yesterday, President Nasheed said cutting down the imports of food items into the country by 20 percent was a key government pledge.
He further added, in order to develop agriculture in the country, and increase revenue for the islands, the government, through central agriculture cooperation, has been developing programmes to procure, package and distribute local produce.
In addition, the President underlined the election of local councils as a beginning of a new era of local governance in the Maldives.
Congratulating all newly elected local councillors, the President said the government wanted proceed with the development of the island with elected councillors irrespective of the party they came from.
President Nasheed also outlined the development projects planned for Feevah during his meeting with the people of the island.
In this regard, the President said the government would begin the repair of island’s harbour as soon as possible and intends to complete the repairs within the next 2 to 3 months.
He also said the government planned to begin the construction of a new mosque in the island this year.
During the visit, the President met with island council to discuss the development projects for the islands as well as organisation and administration of the newly elected council.