President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the path of development in the Maldives, needs to be steered.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the City and Atoll Council Symposium on Sunday morning, President Solih stated that the people wish for rapid development and that while continuous economic progress has been observed, development of the country has deteriorated due to centralization.

President Solih said that if the path of development is not steered, 60 percent of the population will be living in Male’ by 2050.

The President noted that white we are observing economic growth, progress is still lacking as Maldives has relied on centralization over the decentralization process.

However, he highlighted the country’s capabilities to change this.

Also, at the ceremony, President Solih expressed his government’s readiness to empower councils and allow the island communities to plan their progressive activities and to provide adequate budget and administrative power to reach their targets.

The symposium’s purpose is to clarify challenges faced by councils in providing the needs of island communities.

Further, President Solih urged participants of the symposium to carry out discussions in bringing general solutions to the decentralization process.

Shedding light on the importance of providing adequate budgets to councils, President Solih said that fees collected from island municipal services should contribute in the development of the island.

In addition, President Solih emphasized on the importance of empowering women, remarking on the progress that could follow.

Noting that the Local Government Authority (LGA) is responsible for monitoring activities of the councils, President Solih advised LGA to provide solutions for the issues that surface for councils.

LGA was advised to keep distance from political influence, and to carry forth with their responsibilities dutifully.