President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that as the goals of Maldives 2.0 are achieved and the conveniences of a digital Maldives are realised, opportunities for Maldivian citizens to access services and create income-generating avenues whilst remaining in their respective islands will increasingly expand.
The President made these remarks in his address delivered on the occasion of Decentralisation Day today.
In his address, the President extended his most sincere Decentralisation Day greetings to the beloved Maldivian citizens, as well as to all the hardworking public servants active in various sectors of this service. He renewed the Government's resolve to continuously strengthen and persistently carry forward efforts to listen to the people and provide services closer to them.
He noted that the geographic structure of the Maldives as a chain of dispersed islands has historically necessitated a decentralised approach to governance – this is evident from how affairs were managed in past eras and from historical official documents. He also stated that with the current Constitution in effect, opportunities to strengthen the decentralised system have further expanded.
The President highlighted that over the past two years, significant efforts have been made to expand decentralised services by delegating more powers and building public trust. Many aspirations councils have held since the inception of the Decentralisation Act have now become reality, including paving more avenues for councils to generate income, securing the rightful position and status for Women's Development Committees (WDCs), and salary adjustments for council employees. The Government has also taken the initiative to provide resources to councils and construct modern administrative buildings to improve council operations.
The President gave his assurance that efforts are underway to expand sports facilities and public parks across the islands and that essential water and sewerage services in all inhabited islands will be completed. He stated that the past two years have seen the simultaneous implementation of a significant number of infrastructure projects, including road development and harbour expansion. He also noted that consultations have been conducted across all islands in preparation for the formulation of the National Development Master Plan.
Addressing broader national concerns, the President stated that efforts are underway in all islands to find permanent solutions to pressing public issues, including undocumented migration, drug trafficking and gang-related crimes.