Mon, 09 Jun 2025

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DHIVEHI

Minister Adam Shareef urges strengthening local councils and greater accountability

09 Jun 2025

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Thohira Azhaar

Photo: Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Pubic Works

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has called for stronger local councils, emphasising that empowering communities begins with reinforcing the councils’ role as a vital link between the government and the people.

Speaking to state media, Minister Adam Shareef stated that the establishment of the Ministry reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing ties between local councils and the central administration, as well as strengthening the decentralisation system.

He noted that the Ministry’s work over the past year and a half has helped councils increasingly recognise and embrace its roles and responsibilities.

Highlighting that the Ministry’s primary function is to serve as a bridge between the government and local councils, he explained that key operational policies have already been formulated and implemented, paving the way for continued efforts aimed at driving meaningful reform and positive transformation within the decentralisation framework.

He further emphasised that the core objective of decentralisation is to empower the people, an outcome that can only be achieved by strengthening local councils and building public trust in their effectiveness and accountability.

Minister Adam Shareef affirmed that the Ministry will prioritise expanding the scope of services delivered by local councils and ensuring they function as institutions that truly represent and amplify the voices of the people.

Citing feedback received during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visits to the atolls, the Minister noted that many citizens had expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of ongoing development projects and had called for changes. He attributed these concerns to the lack of proper consultation with local communities during the initial planning stages, which often results in projects that fail to reflect the real needs and preferences of the people.

In addition to strengthening the decentralisation framework, the Government is also focused on equipping councils with the necessary infrastructure and resources.

Minister Adam Shareef stated that 50 council offices will be developed across the country with support from the Chinese government, and that a Chinese team is expected to arrive this month to conduct a feasibility study for the project. He also noted that construction of 55 additional council offices, funded by the Maldivian government, is currently underway.

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