Discussions held on government's development vision for Shaviyani atoll

Discussions have been held regarding the incumbent administration’s development vision for Shaviyani atoll, as well as the concerns facing atoll residents, as part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s ongoing tour of the atoll.

After touching down in Funadhoo island of Shaviyani atoll on Tuesday afternoon, the president first sat down with the North Miladhunmadulu Atoll Council, where he was briefed on the important issues that need resolving.

The atoll councilors expressed commitment to continue providing full support for the Solih administration’s development vision for the atoll

Concerns raised by the atoll community include utilization of uninhabited islands in the atoll, expedition of the ongoing resort development projects in Shaviyani Atoll, establishment of sufficient transportation facilities, upgrading the Atoll Hospital, shortage of space in the council premises as well as expanding the Education Centre.

Listening to these concerns, the president affirmed that discussions will be held with relevant authorities and agencies to provide swift solutions.

Solih also shared updates on the ongoing and future development projects that will positively impact the atoll communities.

Highlighting that the government has now completed the bid collection process for the Bilehfahi Island Airport project, Solih revealed plans to establish a mini hospital in Milandhoo island as well as to enable travel at Funadhoo Island Airport after nightfall.

With the cooperation of the council, implementing these initiative would be an easy task, said the president.

As part of the ongoing visit, Solih also sat down for discussions with the Women’s Development Committee of Sh. Funadhoo, before heading to visit the island hospital. This was followed by a meeting with members of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Further, First Lady Fazna toured the Family and Children’s Services Centre (FCSC) by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services. She inquired employees at the center on challenges facing them in running the facility.

Gender Ministry administers these centers nationwide, the one in Funadhoo Island currently houses 14 children. The center aims to to provide a safe environment for children seeking shelter and protection.

The First Couple departed on the two-atoll tour at 11am on Tuesday. Throughout the three-day tour, the First Couple will be visiting four islands of Shaviyani atoll; Funadhoo, Lhaimagu, Foakaidhoo and Maaungoodhoo as well as four islands of Raa atoll; Vaadhoo, Alifushi, Rasgetheem and Angolhitheem.

Some senior government officials, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Managing Director of state utilities company FENAKA Corporation are joining the First Couple on the trip.

The team will be heading to Lhaimagu next, followed by Foakaidhoo, the same day. On Wednesday, the First Couple will visit Maaungoodhoo, Vaadhoo and Alifushi.

Further, the team will also be visiting Rasgetheem and Angolhitheem on Thursday. The First Couple is scheduled to conclude their trip and return on Thursday.

The President’s Spokesperson, Mabrook Aziz told RaajjeMV that the purpose of the three-day trip is to check updates on the development projects ongoing at the islands, while sitting down for discussions with the island councils. Further, members of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have also sought to meet with the president, which will be accommodated during the trip. The president will also be meeting with individuals working in different sectors including agriculture, fisheries and others during the trip.

During the course of the trip, the president will officially inaugurate the Job Center established in Alifushi island of Raa atoll, by the Economic Ministry.

President Solih had conducted a similar visit, touring seven islands of Thaa atoll during August.