Met with 86 councils in second round of atoll visits: President Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said he has met with 86 island councils during his second round of atoll visits since taking office.

Speaking to residents of Faafu atoll Nilandhoo on last night, Muizzu said the milestone was reached with his meeting with the island’s council.

“Almost two years into this administration, we are championing decentralization in practice. We are going to the councils and the people, not bringing councils to Male',” he said.

“Councils can go to Male' if they choose, but we are bringing government to them.”

President Muizzu said he aims to meet every council and women’s development committee by early or mid November, adding that detailed discussions on community needs are being held with all institutions. “In practice, we are implementing decentralization,” he said.

Muizzu, who pledged to visit every island in the country by November, said women’s development committees (WDCs) were a top priority for his government. Members would receive a Ramadan allowance under the legal framework, and from next year the WDC share of council budgets would be doubled from 5 percent to 10 percent, he added. 

“Empowering women is a very important policy of mine,” President Muizzu said. “It is a policy that is being implemented in practice.”