The Local Government Authority (LGA) has established branches in atoll offices across the country following the dissolution of Atoll Councils under amendments to the Decentralisation Act.

According to the authority, the new offices have been set up to ensure administrative support and technical assistance continue to be provided to island councils after the abolition of Atoll Councils and their administrative offices. The move follows amendments passed by the 20th People’s Majlis to the Constitution and the Decentralisation Act.

Under Article 58 of the Decentralisation Act, the LGA is mandated to ensure that its responsibilities are implemented at the administrative level. The amendments also authorise the authority to establish offices in administrative divisions to provide LGA services, with the offices required to operate from the capital islands of each atoll.

The LGA stated that the former offices of Atoll Councils located in atoll capitals will now operate under the authority and provide services required by law. The branches will mainly focus on providing training and technical assistance to local councils, as well as monitoring council operations and administrative work.

The authority further assured that employees previously working under Atoll Councils would not lose their jobs following the restructuring. According to the LGA, all staff have been transferred to the civil service without any reduction in salaries or employment benefits.

The establishment of LGA branches follows broader reforms to the country’s local governance structure, including the abolition of all Atoll Councils and the restructuring of several local council administrations across the country.