President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that upcoming amendments to the Decentralisation Act will ensure that members of Women's Development Committee (WDC)s receive designated salaries and Ramadan allowance entitlements.
Currently, WDC members receive an allowance for their work, as their positions are not permanent. While they are not entitled to the annual Ramadan allowance, they also cannot apply for bank loans as salaried employees. These longstanding concerns raised by WDC members have remained unresolved until now.
Speaking to residents of Dhan'gethi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour to select islands within the atoll, President Muizzu announced that the amendments would come into effect next year. He emphasised that WDC members had been unfairly neglected in the past, despite their full-time commitment and significant contribution to island development, and pledged to address their concerns and find a solution to these issues.
The President said the government would submit the necessary amendments to bring about the change to Parliament during its upcoming session. He noted that the government aims to bring prosperity to the citizens without taking away anything from them, stressing that this would be achieved without resorting to measures such as printing money.
At the same event, the President pledged to address the harbour limitations facing Dhan'gethi, and develop the island's harbour in alignment with the residents' vision. Acknowledging that the lack of a harbour has been a longstanding issue faced by the island, the President said the development of the harbour would bring economic growth, community development, as well as resolve challenges in accessing the island. The project is scheduled to kick off next year, and is expected to reach completion by 2026.
Outlining plans for the harbour, the President said it would be developed in such a way that it can continue to be used for many years to come. Highlighting the connection between Dhan’gethi’s thriving local tourism sector and the need for a harbour, the President said such an infrastructure is essential for the tourism sector, as the island aims to increase its tourist bed capacity to 600 over the next two years. He also stated that the harbour would effectively address the erosion issues faced by the island.
The President also announced a housing initiative set for Dhan'gethi for 2026. Additionally, he pledged to establish a cultural centre and a waste management system on the island.