MALE, DEC 25 (DNA) – Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen praised the United States for its aid to grassroots level development projects in the country, while inaugurating a clean drinking water project in Hinnavaru Island of Faaadhippolhu Atoll on Monday.

The President  thanked USAID and the United States of America, appreciating and celebrating their contributions towards making the lives and livelihoods of Maldivians better.  He said that the water treatment plant in Hinnavaru is a “shining example” of continued US assistance to the Maldives.

Yameen highlighted the history of US aid to the Maldives and said that his own education in the US was facilitated by such aid. As such, he owes a special thanks to the US. While expressing his gratitude to the US on his behalf and behalf of the Maldivian government and its people, the President also thanked UNOPS for its assistance in making the project a reality.

The drinking water supply system in Hinnavaru uses two plants to produce 80 cubic meters of water per day. The project uses solar energy 100%. Desalinated water rain is water collected, treated and provided to the population.

President Yameen is currently on a three day visit to South Miladhummadulu Atoll, Fadhihpolhu Atoll and South Maalhosmadulu Atoll.

As part of his tour he visited Maalhendhoo Island, Hen’badhoo Island, Holhudhoo Island and Velidhoo Island on Sunday and inaugurated a harbor and a mosque in Maalhendhoo, attended the groundbreaking of sewerage system in Hen’badhoo and inaugurated the harbor in Holhudhoo and Velidhoo.