The Local Government Authority has instructed councils in Haa Dhaalu Atoll to stop work on forming a special board involving all islands of the atoll to work on atoll development.

The move follows online discussions held between council presidents from all islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll on forming a board to represent the atoll’s islands. Kulhudhuffushi City Council had announced that the discussions focused on forming a framework before the 15th of this month to set the objectives and working procedures of the proposed board.

In a letter sent to Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Aathif, the LGA said amendments brought to the Decentralisation Act had dissolved atoll councils and transferred their administrative services and responsibilities to the authority.

LGA said the development of an administrative region now falls within its legal mandate. The authority said it does not view the formation of a separate board involving the Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council and all councils in the atoll as permissible.

LGA also said forming a separate board above the councils within an atoll would contradict the purpose of the amendments brought to the Decentralisation Act.

The authority instructed Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council and all councils in the atoll not to proceed with the planned board. LGA also requested clarification on the legal basis for the decision to form such a board.