Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that work on 55 council secretariats being developed under a Government project is targeted for completion by the end of July this year.

The secretariats are being constructed under a contractor-financing model and the project has been awarded to the Road Development Corporation (RDC).

The Minister shared the update during a press briefing held at the President’s Office on Thursday to outline the Ministry’s ongoing projects. He said construction began on 16 August last year and that work has since been progressing steadily.

Minister Adam Shareef noted that construction activities are currently underway across 54 islands, while work on the remaining island has also begun. At present, roofing works are being carried out in most locations.

He added that the new secretariats are designed to be spacious and will include separate offices for councillors, council presidents and vice presidents. The facilities will also include meeting rooms as well as dedicated spaces for Women’s Development Committees.

The Minister explained that the project includes the full delivery of the secretariats, covering construction, installation of furniture and completion of finishing works so the facilities can be used immediately once handed over.

Furniture required for the secretariats is expected to begin arriving in the coming months. Minister Adam Shareef said the project will help create a more conducive working environment for local councils.

In addition to these projects, the Minister revealed that six council secretariats funded through the Government’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) budget have already been completed.