President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has vowed to improve the financial status of local councils.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Viavathi Raajje conference, President Solih said the administration is working to improve the financial status of local councils. He noted the concerns of local councils in acquiring the funds and the challenges to utilising the funds within their respective jurisdictions, despite being provided with 5% of the estimated yearly state income as a block grant, as dictated in the last amendment to the Decentralisation Act.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted the importance of the discussions and proposals made at the Viavathi Raajje conference and said that solutions have been provided to numerous issues facing local councils. The president also said the Decentralisation Act was enacted to allow the government to serve its people efficiently by decentralising some of its responsibilities. He noted that proposals have been made to make changes to the Decentralisation Act and to solve the challenges faced by local councils and women’s development committees (WDCs). He vowed to discuss the financial issues faced by local councils and WDCs with the cabinet ministers, as solving the issue would have a major impact on the state budget.
Additionally, President Solih highlighted the importance of formulating land-use plans for islands and said that it was a major setback for development that some local councils have still not submitted their proposals. He noted that solutions have been provided for local councils to formulate their plans at the conference, and urged them to submit their plans as soon as possible. He added the development of the islands will commence as soon as the respective land-use plans are approved.