Speaking at a rally held last night in Dhidhdhoo of Haa Alif atoll, President Mohamed Nasheed repeated his messages to the people on the importance of decentralisation and local governance for development.
He said local councils, which are to be elected in February would be an important impetus for greater public participation in government decision-making.
Further, President Nasheed said, the government would also take the responsibility of making local councils more self-reliant and self-sufficient.
In his speech, the President also gave an update of developmental projects and briefed on planned projects for the island.
The President is currently on a tour to the northern atolls.
