The Local Government Authority has stated that no legal vacuum will arise following the dissolution of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and the abolition of atoll councils.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the authority addressed misinformation circulating on social media, assuring that legal responsibilities for services previously provided by atoll councils have been transferred to the LGA under the Decentralisation Act.

The authority said it remains responsible for ensuring the provision of all services outlined in the Act, including supporting city and island councils, and that the recent changes do not create any gaps in governance.

Under the 17th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act, atoll councils have been abolished, with all associated functions, assets and resources reassigned to the LGA. The amendment also grants the authority powers to establish offices across administrative constituencies.

The LGA stressed that the changes will not create any legal obstacle to decentralisation as defined under the Constitution and the Decentralisation Act, reaffirming that administrative continuity will be maintained under the revised framework.