President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that it is important to simplify the process of formulating land-use plans and amend laws to address recurring issues that arise while formulating the plans. He made the remarks at the second session of the third Viavathi Raajje conference which focused on land-use plans.
Speaking at the session, President Solih noted that the local councils have been experiencing difficulties in developing the plans, which has hindered the development of their communities. He stated that it was important to make the process easier for the council members and to amend any laws that were impeding the process.
During the session, Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam presented a video on how to address specific issues that arise while compiling the land-use plans and divulged strategies for avoiding recurring issues. He revealed the ministry received land-use plans of 60 islands, 11 of which came from councils represented at the third Viavathi Raajje conference. He said that there were still issues in seven plans that were submitted, adding that the most common problem was keeping track of the location of trees.
The council members also discussed the issues raised at the Fanoalla Dharubaaru conference held prior to the Viavathi Raajje conference. They talked about the need for more technical staff with expertise in developing land-use plans, as well as the need for more training and information sessions to familiarise themselves with the process.
President Solih and Minister Aslam were joined on the panel by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, and Hisaan Hussain from the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation.