President and First Lady Tours South Thiladhunmathi Atoll
On Friday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fana Ahmed departed on an official three-day trip to South Thiladhunmathi Atoll. On the trip, President and First Lady will be visiting selected islands and touring strategic establishments for the progress update on the ongoing works while sitting for official meetings with the designated decision makers in the area.
The first leg of the trip was to Kulhudhuffushi City, the northern-most city in the Maldives. Upon arrival, the President and First Lady visited the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital to oversee the ongoing development and upgrades at the facility. CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, Adam Azin briefed the parties on the overall project, stating that 65% of the work is done and it is estimated to be completed by September 2021.
In a meeting with the KRH Management following the tour, President Solih reiterated on the Government’s commitment to the KRH expansion project and the vision to build a tertiary level hospital in the region, given its strategic importance as a central hub for vital medical services in the atoll. Members of the senior management of the hospital briefed the President on the latest advancements made by the hospital, including the introduction of new specialized healthcare and medical services.
First Lady sat down with the Family and Children’s Service Center in the city on Friday night. She was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Dr Aishath Ali. Extensive discussions were held with senior officials of the center where deliberations were held on multiple topics related to enhancing the services provided at the facility. Before concluding her visit, First Lady Fazna Ahmed planted a tree at the center, assisted by one of the children.
Meanwhile, President Solih conducted a meeting with South Thiladhunmathi Atoll Council. Deliberations were held on issues related to the development at the Atoll level pertaining to several issues and challenges in community related sectors. President in return detailed the participants on the ongoing work by the Government concerning the Atoll. Local businessmen from the city also participated in the discussions and shared their concerns with the President.
President also met with members of the Kulhudhuffushi City Council and the Women's Development Committee. Various updates and briefs on overcoming the preciously addressed concerns to the President and the ongoing projects by the Government in the City were discussed back and forth.
On Saturday, First Lady met with the members of the Kulhudhuffushi City Women’s Development Committee. Participants shared their concerns and challenges in the operation of the committee as well as their plans for the future. Several interesting ideas were also presented by the WDC members addressing the need to introduce innovative platforms for local women to do business on a small scale and improving opportunities for women in different sectors.
First lady entrusted the WDC members to envision the collective prosperity of all women in the city, to make fair, unbiased use of the powers granted them under the Decentralization Act. She was highly encouraging of building collaborative empowerment initiatives and suggested means of broadening the role of women in decision making.