The Local Government Authority (LGA) has concluded a capacity-building programme for members elected to the fifth term of councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs).

In a statement, the LGA said the programme was designed to prepare newly elected councillors and WDC members for their roles by providing guidance on their responsibilities, duties and the operational framework of councils and committees.

The programme was jointly conducted by the Local Government Authority and the Maldives Institute of Local Governance (MILG) over five days from 10 to 14 May.

While the programme mainly targeted newly elected members, participation was also opened to elected representatives, secretaries-general and administrative staff interested in the sessions. 74 participants took part in the programme.

The authority noted that, unlike in previous council terms, this year’s orientation programme was held before the elected members formally took their oath of office.

Sessions during the programme focused on key areas related to local governance, including the decentralisation system and its legal framework, operational procedures, the role of councillors, development planning, public participation, council administration, financial management, access to information, digital governance and performance management systems.