President Solih concludes visit to Raa Atoll

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in capital Male' early Thursday after concluding his trip to Raa Atoll.

During the trip, President Solih visited Meedhoo and Alifushi island.

During his visit to Meedhoo, the President held discussions with members of Meedhoo Island Council in addition to Councillors and senior institutional representatives from Ungoofaaru.

The meetings were held separately at Meedhoo School.

Meedhoo councillors addressed concerns related to health care, waste management, scarcity of land and housing as well as harbour development and education, while Ungoofaaru councillors spoke about issues faced by the halt in the road development project, delay in initiation of services at the clean water system established on the island, issues regarding inclusive accessibility at the mosque under construction, and concerns over the health sector and housing.

On Alifushi, the President met with the island's council members and senior institution representatives in addition to members of Raa Atoll council.

The Atoll Councillors stressed on the importance of a functional transport system, difficulties faced due to lack of a Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office in the atoll, complications due to space constraints at the Council Secretariat, and discrepancies in the information available on islands allocated for various projects.

During the meetings, the President noted that such meetings allow the administration to better perceive the needs of the people, allowing the government to include essential projects within the scope of next year's state budget.

The president also shared updates of development projects planned for the islands, assuring that the government will work towards addressing the concerns voiced by the island representatives in the meetings.

Furthermore, President Solih assured that delays and unresolved issues mentioned in the meetings will be taken up with relevant ministries, adding that the new decentralised framework will allow Atoll Councillors to develop their atolls in line with the needs and priorities of their constituents.

The President also unveiled a special monument at Alifushi and attended and made remarks at the celebratory ceremony held to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Alifushi School.