Gov’t prioritizes pressing concerns of island communities: pres.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that his administration prioritizes the pressing concerns of island communities across the nation.

He said this during a meeting held with residents of Vandhoo island in Thaa atoll, on Wednesday.

The meeting was held as part of the president’s brief three-day tour of some islands of Thaa atoll, which he began on Tuesday.

Taking the podium at the event, the president urged council members to collaborate with government authorities to identify and prioritize the urgent needs for the ongoing year within the span of two weeks.

Highlighting that the government would initiate the implementation of these projects once a framework is established, Muizzu stated that the reclamation project to solve the island’s erosion issue is one of the most pressing issues for the community.

Muizzu then announced that the government would take up the project at a high priority and urged the island council to list issues regarding development initiatives, by order of importance.

The president went on to pledge that his administration would carry out the development projects on the island, to reflect the wishes of the community.

Muizzu went on to urge the councils to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the government to allocate jurisdiction for the islands for economic activities.

Regulations state that an island can serve the collective interests of the community, encompassing individuals and enterprises, thereby enabling the council to augment its revenue.

The president departed on the tour of islands in Thaa atoll, on Tuesday. His first destination of the trip was Guraidhoo, followed by Dhiyamigili as the second destination and Madifushi as the third destination. His fourth destination was Veymandoo island. A high-level delegation of government officials accompanies the president on the tour of Thaa atoll.