President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says restoring the wealth and autonomy of islands begins with the commencement of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service.
He made the remark while speaking at the ceremony held to officially launch Zone 1 of RTL in the harbor area of Dhidhdhoo Island in Haa Alifu Atoll.
In his speech, the President spoke about how the Bodu-Thiladhunmathi islands in the Maldives’ northernmost atolls had always been self-sufficient. He said that the people from the north were known to be productive, wealthy, and prosperous in bygone days.
The President recalled how the islands in these atolls had trade routes that linked them directly to other countries. He went on to elaborate, stating that policies and subsequent changes that resulted from the transition of the governance system from a monarchy to a republic were detrimental to the progress of the islands.
President Solih stated that the lost wealth and progress of these islands must be restored and that these anticipated changes begin with the commencement of the RTL. He noted that the RTL network would link the islands in Huvadhu Atoll (comprising Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu atolls), Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City in the Maldives’ south within the following year.
President Solih was presented with a special commemorative plaque during the ceremony. The plaque was presented to the President by Abdulla Waheed, the Dhidhdhoo constituency member of the Parliament.
The President traveled on board the RTL ferry from Utheemu to Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll yesterday to experience the newly commenced ferry service.
