President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has commended participants of the third Viavathi Raajje conference for successfully providing solutions to the various issues raised by the local councils and women's development committees (WDCs).
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said that the most concerning issue identified at the second Viavathi Raajje conference earlier this year was the problems that arose while developing the land-use plans for islands. The president noted that viable solutions have been proposed by the end of this third conference and that the outcomes discussed at the second Viavathi Conference were instrumental in guiding councils with their plans. He added that the administration is actively seeking ways to expedite the approval process for these land-use plans.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted the discussion on broadening the role of WDCs and said that the issue was of utmost importance. He urged that their concerns be addressed as soon as possible by providing a conducive working environment and fiscal empowerment. He said that simply creating a conducive environment for WDC representatives might help alleviate a number of their difficulties. He further expressed the need for allocating full-time allowances for the WDCs to reflect their commitment and said that the legal challenges in facilitating this decision would be discussed further.
Additionally, President Solih also announced that the government will begin allocating block grants quarterly, rather than monthly, and will distribute a block grant of USD110 million in 2023. He said that island councils should be allocated funds based on their individual requirements and needs, rather than the practice that is currently in use where a flat amount is distributed amongst all the councils. He added that decentralised development is costly and challenging, but the government is determined to stay the course and reshape the country through its decentralisation policies and vision.
Over 270 individuals participated in the Viavathi Raajje conference held in Gan, Laamu Atoll, along with 107 council members and WDC representatives. The third conference of Viavathi Raajje targeted the southern atolls of Maldives, and was attended by members of local councils and WDCs representing Dhaalu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Gaaf Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Addu City and Fuvahmulah City.