Four uninhabited islands have been officially handed over to three councils in a landmark decentralisation initiative, marking the first time local authorities have gained control of such territories in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, together with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, signed agreements allocating the islands during a ceremony at the Finance Ministry on Monday.

Dhaalu Atoll Council received two islands - Dhaalu Minimasgali and Dhaalu Fenfushi - while Raa In'guraidhoo Council and Laamu Maavah Council were assigned Raa Neyo and Laamu Bodumaabulhali respectively. The agreements were signed by council presidents Ahmed Shafiu, Mohamed Jaleel and Ahmed Moosa, with State Minister Ahmed Mazin representing the Finance Ministry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Cities Adam Shareef Umar outlined how the initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's vision to strengthen local governance. He noted that extensive regulatory and policy changes were required to implement the programme.

The four islands were selected from applications submitted in the first round of a broader scheme that will eventually see 28 uninhabited islands transferred to public control. The initiative aims to boost economic activities for communities with limited land while increasing councils' financial autonomy.

Minister Shareef explained that this marks the first instance of the country's most valuable assets being decentralised and transferred to public control. He emphasised that the management structure ensures direct public benefit through community participation.

The opportunity remains open for other councils to apply for control of uninhabited islands. The initiative forms part of President Dr Muizzu's 100-day pledges to strengthen the country's decentralisation system.

This milestone development is the first instance of uninhabited islands outside council jurisdiction being allocated to local governance bodies in the Maldives' history of decentralisation.