President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that utility bill discounts introduced last year during Ramadan will be reinstated for the upcoming holy month. The announcement was made during his visit to Mathiveri, Alifu Alifu Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour of islands in Alifu Alifu and Kaafu Atolls.
Utility Bill Discounts to Ease Financial Pressure
The initiative, introduced last year, aimed to stabilize electricity and water bills during Ramadan, a period that typically sees a surge in household usage. Under the scheme, households received discounts ensuring their utility bills matched the average amounts of previous months. This marked a historic move, benefiting all citizens and resulting in a total discount exceeding USD 9.2 million for water and electricity bills.
In his address, President Muizzu emphasized his administration’s commitment to easing financial burdens on households. “Not many days remain until Ramadan. As we did last year, we will offer the same utility discounts again this Ramadan, God willing,” he said. He further pledged additional assistance to support families during the holy month, promising measures to reduce expenses and enhance income.
Additional Ramadan Support
The President also highlighted other forms of aid provided during Ramadan last year, including the distribution of 1.6 million kilograms of staple foods, such as rice and flour, to 82,000 households. This year, similar initiatives are being planned, with an added promise of distributing a case of tuna to each household. Preparations for this are already underway, led by the State Trading Organization (STO).
The reinstatement of these discounts and additional assistance reflects the administration’s efforts to support citizens during a period of increased expenses, ensuring that the financial strain on families is alleviated. The President’s announcement has been warmly received, particularly as Ramadan approaches.
