Island consultations underway for development masterplan

Consultations on the National Development Masterplan, set for the next two decades, commenced with island visits yesterday. 

Ministry of Finance said that the team working on the development masterplan began travelling to islands yesterday to conduct public consultations. The first island that the team visited is K. Guraidhoo, the ministry said. 

The 'Viluntheri Raajje 2045' (Resilient Maldives 2045) team visited Guraidhoo, where they are set to meet with the island's council and the public. The team will explore public opinion on Maldives' development, social and economic development and visions, according to the ministry. 

The ministry further said that the team will be visiting all inhabited islands in the coming days. 

Island and atoll councils, government agencies, businesses and organizations in islands will have the opportunity to meet with the team and share their views. 

The ministry stated that the development masterplan seeks to outline a long term strategy for national initiatives and promote the sustainable use of available resources for public benefit. Further, the plan aims to ensure Maldives is resilient and able to adapt to climate change, as well as changes to global technology and economy. 

Development of a 20 year masterplan is amongst the Presidential pledges of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. 

The plan is scheduled for completion by November next year. The government aims to gain developed nation status for Maldives by 2040.