The Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works is forming monitoring committees on each island to oversee local council secretariat construction across 55 islands.

Announcing the initiative during a Tharaweeh dinner hosted for Ministry staff, Minister Adam Shareef Umar confirmed that construction activities have already commenced on 17 islands within the Haa Alifu, Raa, and Dhaalu Atolls. He emphasised the Government’s commitment to strengthening local engagement, stating that priority will be given to local contractors for civil works. This approach, he noted, is in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader vision for decentralisation, which seeks to empower island councils and promote economic self-sufficiency.

In addition to enhancing local participation, the initiative aims to reinforce accountability. The Minister elaborated that each island’s monitoring committee will consist of members from the residential community, ensuring direct involvement in the oversight of development projects.

By integrating local populations into the decision-making process, the Government seeks to promote good governance and active civic participation. To maintain momentum, an ambitious timeline has been set, with construction on all 55 islands expected to commence within the year and completion targeted within two years and six months.

Further underscoring the Administration’s commitment to decentralisation, the Minister provided updates on another key policy initiative: the transfer of ferry stops to municipal control. He revealed that the handover of 21 ferry stops in the northern atolls—Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani—is nearing completion.

These facilities, which are currently managed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), form an integral part of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry network. Their transfer, Minister Adam Shareef stated, will grant local councils greater operational authority and expanded revenue-generating opportunities, further strengthening the decentralised governance model.

Beyond these initiatives, the Minister also highlighted progress on other key infrastructure projects, including the construction of additional ferry stops by MTCC and the development of parks in Shaviyani, Noonu, and Meemu Atolls. These efforts, he affirmed, reflect the Administration’s broader strategy to enhance public infrastructure, improve service delivery, and elevate the quality of life for residents across the country.