The Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Miuvaan Mohamed on Thursday afternoon announced that the third round of the “Viavathi Raajje” conference would commence this Saturday in Gan Island in Laamu Atoll. The Spokesperson also updated the media on the latest progress of government activities, at the press conference held at the President’s Office.

Elaborating on the details of “Viavathi Raajje”, Miuvaan said that the purpose of the conference is to strengthen President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s efforts to promote a decentralised governance system and to ensure the fiscal and legal autonomy of the local councils. The conference would be held from September 10-12, 2022 and is aimed for the Island Councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDC) of the Southern atolls. The Spokesperson revealed that 270 individuals, including government officials and members of state-owned enterprises, along with 107 councillors, would take part in the upcoming "Viavathi Raajje."

Providing updates on significant government initiatives over the last week, Miuvaan noted the Mini Bus Service in Malé, saying that the initiative was well-received by the public, with 8,024 people using it yesterday alone. He also briefed the media on the speed ferry service provided by the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) in Zone 1 of the Maldives, which includes the northernmost atolls.

During the press conference, the Spokesperson also discussed the government's efforts to make Aasandha services more accessible throughout the Maldives, stating that Aasandha help-desks had been established in Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Equatorial Hospital in Addu City. He also briefed the media on the President's meetings with the Maldives' National Boating Association and the Eydhafushi Island Council of Baa Atoll earlier this week.

Miuvaan also answered questions from journalists and clarified various public interest issues at today’s press conference.