A Malaysian company, Hextar Global Sdn. Bhd, has been contracted to construct council buildings for 55 island councils across the Maldives.

The project forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to address space and resource constraints faced by local councils. During a visit to Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo last February, the President announced plans for the simultaneous construction of 50 council buildings.

The contract was signed on a contractor-finance basis between Dr Fathmath Muna, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, and Ali Shareef, Managing Director of Hextar Maldives, representing the Malaysian parent company. Minister Adam Shareef Umar and other Government officials attended the signing ceremony.

Following assessments of applications from local councils, the Ministry identified 102 eligible councils for reconstruction. Hextar will build 55 of these facilities within two and a half years, with the new buildings designed to provide adequate space for councillors and administrative staff.

Ministry assessments revealed that 187 councils currently face significant space and resource limitations. Alongside Hextar's project, the Government plans to rebuild an additional 50 council secretariats with Chinese government assistance, aiming to renovate all deteriorated council buildings during its current term.