In his weekly radio address President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated the government’s commitment to assist those unable to pay their electricity bills.

Noting that several people were concerned over the electricity tariffs hike in Male’, the President said the government’s address those concerns by providing direct subsidies to the people who were unable to pay their electricity bills.

“Our estimate is that about 3000 households struggled in paying their bills. Therefore, the government has decided to provide them more support,” he said.

The President acknowledged that initially sufficient information was not provided on electricity subsidies, adding that more people were now aware of the changes and the application process for subsidies.

“The government will hopefully remove the burden on the people who struggled with bills. That is the policy of the government.”

In his weekly address, the President discussed his visits to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and India.

He was in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January and addressed the World Future Energy Summit. In Abu Dhabi the President held talks with government officials and private sector.

Later he travelled to Bahrain on an official visit. In Bahrain, President met with representatives from banking, finance and investment sectors and discussed business and investment opportunities in the Maldives. He also met with the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other senior government officials.

The President is currently in Chennai, where he will address an economic summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and hold meetings with Indian businesses. He arrived in Chennai, early this morning.