President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that decentralised governance is the most significant administrative change the country has ever seen and that the development projects spearheaded by the administration are carried out in a manner that would enable every citizen to attain self-determination and build prosperous lives with their families.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Viavathi Raajje conference, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that the decentralisation policy should be strengthened to prevent any reversal of the rights given to empower citizens. He highlighted the importance of implementing the decentralisation policy and how it has empowered citizens. He said that the Viavathi Raajje conference is being held to review the progress of the implementation of the decentralisation policy. He noted that local councils have expressed concern over the amount they receive in block grants and that proposals will be made to solve this issue.
Furthermore, President Solih said that women should be more involved in the local council’s work to develop the islands. He also highlighted the importance of working to uphold the rights given to the citizens. He urged participants to engage in dialogue to address their issues and emphasised that the Viavthi Raajje conference held earlier this year on Ukulhas Island in Alifu Alifu Atoll had been very productive.
Additionally, President Solih urged participants to engage in dialogue to address the issues of violent extremism, gang crime, and the prevalence of substance abuse, which he identified as the primary threats to social harmony. He added that concerted efforts of the government, local councils and the women’s development committees (WDCs), civil society, and the other two powers of the state were also vital to address the issues.