President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has affirmed his administration would always work with relevant government agencies to find swift solutions. He made the statement while meeting the Shaviyani Atoll Council during his visit to Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
In the meeting, the councillors expressed they would provide their full support for the administration's development strategies for the atoll. The discussions focussed on atoll development plans and several vital concerns faced by the residents. The council raised several concerns from the residents of the atoll such as the utilisation of uninhabited islands. They also requested the aid to expedite ongoing resort development projects in Shaviyani Atoll, establish sufficient transportation facilities, improve the Atoll Hospital and expand the Education Centre.
Furthermore, they also noted that there is a shortage of space for the Council. Addressing the concerns raised by the councillors, President Solih shared updates on the ongoing and future development plans that would impact the residents of the atoll. He also mentioned the government had completed the collection of bids for the development of the Bilehfahi Airport. He further revealed the government is also working on enabling nighttime travel at Funadhoo Airport and establishing a mini-hospital on Milandhoo.
The president concluded the discussions stating that implementing development initiatives would be simple and swift with the collaboration of the council.
Meanwhile, First Lady Fazna Ahmed visited the Family and Children's Services Centre (FCSC) by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services located on Funadhoo. The first lady took a tour of the centre and met some of the children being cared for there. She also met with FCSC employees, inquiring about the challenges they experience in running the facility and possible solutions.
During the meeting, employees of the centre stated that they are having difficulty hiring skilled staff for the centre.
First Lady Fazna conveyed her gratitude to the employees for their dedication. She also emphasised the need to properly care for children under state care.
The gender ministry administers FCSCs across the nation, and the FCSC in Funadhoo currently houses 14 children. The goal of the centre is to provide a safe environment for children seeking shelter and protection.
Funadhoo is the first destination in the president and the first lady's ongoing three-day trip to eight islands in Shaviyani Atoll and Raa Atoll. Cabinet ministers, senior executives from the President's Office, and a delegation of high-level government officials accompany the president and first lady on the trip.