President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday revealed to the press that the administration plans to open applications for 3,000 residential plots in Malé City by the end of June. Speaking to reporters at the President’s Office, the President recalled his announcement of his plan to provide 5,000 residential plots from Hulhumalé and Gulhifalhu for permanent residents of Malé. He said that final preparations are now underway to open applications for the initial 3,000 residential plots later this month.
The President also highlighted the successful completion this June of the second edition of the "Viavathi Raajje conference" on Ukulhas Island in the Alifu Alifu Atoll. He invited local council representatives and presidents of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) from the central atolls to the conference to discuss the challenges and gaps in implementing the Decentralisation Act. The President noted that the local council and WDC representatives extended their support for the administration’s decentralisation initiative and added that the conference had been enlightening and that he would evaluate the feedback and recommendations to improve decentralised governance further.
The President said that teachers and other education sector staff are now reaping the benefits of a commensurate wage today following his decision to increase their salaries and allowances from May 1. On this topic, the President assured that he would take steps to remedy the concerns related to the new pay structure.
The President also briefed reporters on the latest developments in the first phase of the administration’s "Integrated National Public Ferry Network." He stated that, with the commencement of operations next week in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the residents in the region would have access to efficient, affordable, convenient, and sustainable passenger ferry services. He added that the large-scale transportation network would ultimately ease access to healthcare services and reduce costs.
