L. Gan, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has told that it is necessary to simplify the process of developing land use plans by councils.
Speaking at the Viavathi Raajje conference being held in Gan Island of Laamu Atoll, President Solih told that councils have been experiencing difficulties in developing the plans, which has hindered the development of their communities and if necessary the related laws need to be amended.
President also stated that it was important to make the process easier for the councillors and to amend any laws that were impeding the process.
In the meeting, council members also discussed the issues raised at the “Fanoala Dharubaaru” meeting held prior to the Viavathi Raajje conference. They talked about the need for more technical staff with expertise in developing land use plans, as well as the need for more training and information sessions to familiarize themselves with the process.
During the session, Mohamed Aslam, the Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure presented a video on how to address specific issues that arise while compiling the land use plans and divulged strategies for avoiding recurring issues.
Minister Aslam revealed that the Ministry received land use plans of 60 islands, 11 of which came from councils represented at the third Viavathi Raajje conference. He said that there were still issues in seven plans that were submitted, adding that the most common problem was keeping track of the location of trees.
Over 270 individuals are participating in the Viavathi Raajje conference, along with 107 council members and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) representatives.
