Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated the islands of the atolls are witnessing positive changes, with the powers provided to local councils by law. He made the remark while speaking at the ceremony held by the Local Government Authority (LGA) to confer the Kangathi Awards 2022.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Naseem reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to decentralised governance, stating that decentralisation is at the core and vanguard of its policies. Noting decentralised governance has been a key priority and pledge of the administration, the vice president recalled that one of the first acts of this administration had been handing over previously withheld powers to local councils and facilitating their administration.
The vice president went on to underscore the unparalleled significance the administration attaches to the island and atoll-level development, in addition to empowering women to participate equally in all state and national-level engagements. He said that the number of women serving in ministerial positions and the foreign service is a testament to the fact.
Furthermore, Vice President Naseem expressed development could be achieved through joint efforts. The vice president highlighted the importance of maintaining social stability and building a healthy youth. He also urged the people of the islands to work together to build a skilled generation that benefits the islands.
Addressing members of local councils and others in community leadership positions, the vice president urged unity and promoted cooperation in all matters related to national development, and highlighted the significance of social harmony in building productive citizens.
At the ceremony, the vice president officially unveiled the Council Rankings 2019-2020 and conferred awards on the top-performing island and atoll councils. The Kangathi Awards rank local councils under the Local Council Performance Index.