President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged local councils to utilise their resources for the socio-economic development of their constituents. The President made the remark while speaking at a function held in Maafushi island to handover deeds to the newly reclaimed area and picnic island.
The president spoke on the new powers vested in local councils through amendments to the legislation, and called on the councils to ensure that the views and wishes of the people are reflected in decisions that affect their socio-economic wellbeing. On this note, he urged local councils to inquire with the people when formulating plans for the land-use of their respective islands.
Recalling a visit to Maafushi Island before assuming office, President Solih said one of the most pressing issues raised by the residents was land scarcity, something his administration has addressed with the land reclamation project. The government spent MVR 128 million on the reclamation projects.
The land reclamation projects of Maafushi Island and the picnic island were carried out by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc. (MTCC). Thanking the management and staff of MTCC for the swift and successful completion of the project, President Solih expressed his confidence in the company to deliver all of its projects on time.
Following the handover of the deeds to the new land to the island council, President Solih toured the newly reclaimed part of the island and visited the new picnic island. He also planted a palm tree, as part of the greenery programme for the picnic island.
