Residents of Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll along with the island council are gearing up to host this national day celebrations on the island.
The decision to host the official national day celebrations in Utheemu was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 28 January.
Speaking to PSM News on the preparations, Utheemu Island Council President Abdulla Rasheed said a special task force has been constituted including the island council, State institutions and civil society organisations in the island. The task force is responsible for discussing and deciding on the activities to be carried out in connection with the National Day celebrations, he said.
Abdulla Rasheed said the government has allocated the necessary budget to host the celebrations, adding that the entire island of all age groups is involved with the planning and arrangements.
Currently, the council is spearheading efforts to decorate some areas of the island which includes setting up a special area for visitors to the island at the harbour, development of a children's park along with a cleanup initiative.
The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage is also working with the island council to complement efforts to host a wide array of activities to mark this year’s National Day on 24 August.