President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has highlighted the importance of actively seeking the input of local councils and residents in matters that directly impact them. He made the statement during a meeting with the Bilehdhoo Island Council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) members as part of his official visit to Faafu Atoll. The meeting took place at the Secretariat of Bilehdhoo Island Council. The president also signed the visitor's book.
During the meeting, President Solih expressed gratitude to the council and residents for their warm reception of him, First Lady Fazna Ahmed, and the accompanying delegation upon their arrival on the island.
The council members expressed their appreciation for the administration's development projects, acknowledging the progress and advancements brought about by the current administration. They expressed their trust in the administration, noting that more significant development has been achieved during this tenure than in the past five decades.
Concerns were raised by the council members regarding financial constraints, the need for sports grounds and facilities, the necessity of a school library, and the implementation of renewable energy in government offices and institutions. The WDC members also acknowledged the positive changes introduced to decentralised governance by President Solih and expressed their financial concerns as a crucial issue requiring attention.
President Solih addressed the primary concern raised by the island's residents regarding land constraints and announced the initiation of a land reclamation project for the island, which will begin alongside the harbour development project.
Reiterating his administration's commitment to comprehensive development across the nation, President Solih assured the council and WDC members that he would engage with relevant offices and institutions to explore feasible solutions to the concerns raised during the meeting.