Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has emphasised the importance of strictly adhering to decentralisation policies to ensure the effectiveness of the decentralised governance system in the Maldives.

He made these remarks while speaking at the opening of a workshop focused on strengthening administrative area management, organisational structures, and institutional oversight.

Minister Adam Shareef outlined four key policies introduced by the Ministry to support and enhance local governance. The first, he said, is aimed at empowering local councils financially to allow them to function independently. The second policy focuses on expanding the role of councils in delivering public services at the island level.

As the third pillar of the strategy, the Minister stated that councils must become transparent and accountable institutions, grounded in public participation and consultation. The final policy, he said, is to create stronger linkages between local councils, the Ministry, and the central Government.

Referring to the importance of responsiveness and accountability, Minister Shareef noted that the Ministry must carefully consider feedback and challenges raised by the public and Government offices.