President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with members of the Kolhumadulu Vilifushi Council along with senior representatives of government institutions in the island. Members of the Vilifushi Fisher Community were also present at the meeting held this evening at the Secretariat of the Buruni Council in Buruni Island, Kolhumadulu Atoll.
The Councillors and representatives raised several urgent issues and concerns to the President, including problems with the registries of housing provided to those displaced from the 2014 tsunami disaster, renovation of the island's central mosque and difficulties due to lack of banking facilities. They also revealed hindrances in the island education facilities, health facilities and sewerage system, and suggested improvements to the public works system of the island. The Councillors also expressed an interest in developing tourism further in the area.
During the meeting, the representatives from the fisher community presented a petition to the President and explained the details of the most pertinent issues being faced by the fishermen and other members of the fisher community.
Speaking at the meeting, the President highlighted that the concerns of the fisher community are a high priority and that measures would be taken to try to address them at the earliest possible juncture. The President also stated that the concerns shared by the members of the council will be relayed to the relevant line ministries. Further, the President noted that a large number of the issues being faced by the community can be eased through the financial liberalisation granted through the proposed amendments to the Decentralisation Act, and gave additional information regarding these changes.
