President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed the government aims to establish a police presence in all inhabited islands in the Maldives over the next three years. He made the statement in his meeting with members of the Vandhoo Island Council and the Women's Development Committee (WDC), during his tour of Thaa Atoll.
During the meeting, councillors stated the residents are satisfied with the development projects conducted on the island by the government such as the water and sewerage project, the new mosque project and the construction of the new building of Fenaka Corporation Limited. The councillors also raised concerns from residents regarding their most urgent needs such as protecting the island from coastal erosion, establishing a waste management centre and introducing sports infrastructures such as a futsal field and outdoor gym. They also requested more police presence on the island, renovating the worn council secretariat building, and expanding the school premises to address space scarcity for students.
Meanwhile, the members of the WDC detailed their operations to the president, explaining the work they undertake to promote and empower women in Vandhoo. They noted there was a severe space scarcity issue, leading to issues with delivering programmes for the wellness and welfare of women on the island.
Addressing these concerns, President Solih revealed the new mosque project was underway and in the tendering-evaluation phase and that the government aims to establish police presence in all inhabited islands in the Maldives over the next three years. He also assured that he will direct relevant government institutions to work alongside the council to find ways to resolve the issues raised.