Category: News in Brief

Councils ordered to seek president’s permission before leasing state lands

The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has sent a letter to all local councils ordering them to refrain from making any decisions regarding state owned land without seeking prior permission from the president.

In a circular sent to the councils, the ministry stated that in accordance with the Land Act, it is the President who will decide on all matters concerning state owned land with the advice of his ministerial cabinet.

It was stated that the need to send a circular reminding councils of this had come after the president became aware of some councils continually failing to comply by the law.

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Police seizes over 600 coconuts kept on the streets

Police have seized over 600 coconuts which were kept on the streets near the local market in Malé City on Sunday and taken them to the tow yard.

Police stated that they seized the coconuts after they had been kept on the street for “a long period of time in a manner against regulations”.

They stated that police patrolling the market area will only seize goods after they have been kept for hours in a manner that obstructs traffic in public places.

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Health Minister seeks parliament approval for new role

The President’s Office has submitted the name of Minister of Health Dr Mariyam Shakeela for parliament approval on Sunday.

Shakeela was appointed to the post on July 1 after the ministry was renamed to the Ministry of Health from the Ministry of Health and Gender.

The re-shuffle also saw the creation of the Ministry of Law and Gender, which is set to oversee all government functions related to families, children, women, people with special needs, and human rights.

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UK visa forms to be accepted in Malé from August

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has made arrangements for visa applications from students seeking to studies in the UK to be accepted from Malé from August.

In an announcement released on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry stated that the arrangement had been made with the work of the ministry in liaison with the UK High Commission and VFS Global.

The ministry called on students to prepare the necessary documents in advance and stated that they will later announce the arrangements for visa appointments and how the service will be given.

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President nominates members to the Police Integrity Commission

President Abdulla Yameen has submitted three names to parliament to be considered for the posts of members of the Police Integrity Commission.

The names submitted by the president are Al Usthaz Ali Nadheem of Gloriosa in Henveiru ward of Malé, Fathimath Sarira Ali Shareef who is Malé Municipal Registry number 1320, and Mohamed Faruhadh of Hasankaarige from the island of Meedhoo in Addu City.

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Majlis calls for applications for public’s representative on JSC

Parliament on Sunday announced it will be accepting applications for the pubic’s representative on the Judicial Services Commission.

In an announcement released yesterday, the parliament stated that applications for the seat on the judicial watchdog can be sent in until noon on July 13.

Currently, the post is being filled by Sheikh Shuaib Abdul Rahman.

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HPA warns of viral fever and common cold epidemic

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned of a viral fever and common cold epidemic in the Maldives.

According to the agency, approximately 1600 cases of viral fever 2000 cases of common cold and diarrhea are being reported every week.

A health alert issued on Thursday also expressed concern over rising dengue fever cases. Approximately 20 cases of dengue fever are being reported every week in the past two weeks.

“There have been 20 cases of dengue fever, reported on average, every week in the past two weeks. This agency also notes the common cold cases being reported at the moment are stronger than usual.”

Noting that viral fever and common cold are highly contagious, the agency has called on individuals with symptoms such as fever, cough or cold to avoid public places.

The HPA has also instructed those infected to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and to increase fluid intake.

Increase in dengue is linked to increased mosquito breeding with the southwest monsoon in full swing, the agency said and has urged the public to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds and take steps such as applying mosquito repellant to decrease the risk of infection.

HPA also called on the public to pay attention to cleanliness, such as washing hands before preparing food and refrigerating food, to decrease risk of infection.

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