President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the most significant objective of holding the Viavathi Raajje conference is to review the implementation of the decentralisation policy to ensure that the people’s developmental aspirations are met. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the third Viavathi Raajje conference held in Gan, Laamu Atoll.
Speaking at the conference, President Solih said that the conference is being held to identify ways to strengthen and improve governance based on feedback and that it offers a national-level platform for discussing policies. The president assured that the administration will consider the implementation of the decisions made on the platform. He emphasised that the Viavthi Raajje conference held earlier this year in Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll, had been very productive.
Furthermore, President Solih said that the implementation of the decentralisation policy is the most significant change being made to governance. The president noted that projects in the atolls were previously conducted under a centralised system but that the administration now conducts all its projects under the decentralised policy, whether it be to develop airports, powerhouses, harbours, water supply, and sewerage systems. He added that he will fully support the developmental goals of local councils to ensure that the people’s aspirations are met, adding that all citizens have the right to have a happy and successful life, no matter where they reside in the Maldives.
The third Viavathi Raajje Conference held in Laamu Atoll focuses on the island councils and WDCs from the southern region of the Maldives. The two-day conference covers four themes and will provide a platform for local councils to present ideas and voice their concerns to the president and senior government officials. A total of 270 officials are participating in the conference, including 107 members of local councils and women’s development committees (WDCs).