"Improved coordination between councils, government is crucial to speed up progress of development projects"

Improved coordination between island councils and the government is crucial to speed up the progress of development projects nationwide, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In a meeting with the island council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) of Ukulhas island in Alif Alif atoll, President Solih shared the most recent update of ongoing development projects in the island and addressed the request on Green Tax, stating that the government will consider their request and find a better solution after discussing it with the relevant authorities.

President Solih also promised to facilitate training opportunities for the WDC through the Local Government Authority (LGA). This comes as WDC members stressed on the need for training to expand their operations.

The president was briefed on the most pressing needs and issues facing the island community during the meeting, where councilors relayed financial shortages for conducting administrative tasks, the need to find better alternatives to raise finances for their activities to adapt to the burgeoning local tourism sector in the island and suggested the allocation of a dedicated percentage from Green Tax to them to ease their financial burdens.

Further, the president also listened to their concerns regarding the "MIFCO Ukulhas" company operated by the island's Cooperative Society and Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).

Concluding the meeting, President Solih toured the Ukulhas Health Center and the harbor development site.

He also met with the residents of the island and stated that his administration aims to serve the people. He also noted that Ukulhas is heavily reliant upon tourism as their main income source, with which he said that communities as such have suffered the most due to the economic downturn in the face of Covid-19.

With this being said, he added that the collaborative efforts from the people and the government had helped in overcoming the downturn as one of the first nations to revive its economy.

Speaking to the island community, Solih stated that efforts are underway to address the issue of the difficulties faced in using the island harbor and ferry terminal and added that funds will be allocated for the road development project and the upgrades to the health center in the state budget for 2022.

The residents shed light on issues including the need for better equipment for the school and sports infrastructure.

During his Ukulhas visit the president met with local businessmen and guesthouse owners and was briefed on the challenges they face mainly revolving around high utility tariff rates and high-interest rates on business development loans

Ukulhas island is the president’s third destination on his ongoing two-day tour of six islands in Alif Alif atoll. He first touched down in Thoddoo, followed by Rasdhoo. A delegation of cabinet ministers and senior government officials accompany President Solih during the trip.