The President today said that the key priority of the Government over the past seven months had been national recovery and reconstruction and that it would remain so for the foreseeable future. He made the statement in his address to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day, which was simulcast on Voice of Maldives and Television Maldives.
On the issue of rebuilding damaged homes and the provision of permanent housing for the victims whose homes were destroyed in the catastrophe, the President said that invitations for tenders were presently being announced to identify parties to undertake reconstruction work on the islands where the most number of houses were to be constructed. He went on to note that, under the programme, about 2,500 houses would be built on 50 islands, and that a further 4,500 homes would be repaired on 76 islands. He added that, to date, repair work on 516 houses had been completed.
Pointing out that the relocation of island community to islands with better economic opportunities and environmental mitigation facilities under the 'Safe Islands Programme' was also ongoing, the President assured that the Government was fully committed to the successful completion of this important programme. Further, he expressed his confidence that the people would rise to the challenges faced in implementing this important phase in the national recovery programme, with the same outstanding community spirit that they had displayed in the aftermath of the tsunami.
Press Release reference number: 2005-442