Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has stated that councils should focus on generating income by making use of available resources, rather than depending solely on separate Government budgets.

Speaking to State media, the Minister explained that true independence for councils lies in their ability to manage resources effectively and boost the economic output of the islands. He stressed that self-reliance offers greater long-term value than reliance on allocated funding.

Highlighting the broader impact of governance reforms, the Minister described decentralisation as one of the greatest gifts delivered to the public through the constitution. He noted that the system has significantly strengthened ties between the State and local communities.

The Minister further stated that recent amendments to the Decentralisation Act are expected to enhance public trust in the system. According to him, the changes will not only reinforce confidence but also improve how communities perceive the practical benefits of decentralisation.