Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is a champion of decentralization. He made the remark at the oath-taking ceremony of the Male' City Council’s newly elected Mayor and councillors.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shareef highlighted the recent Cabinet decision to grant island councils the ability to incorporate uninhabited islands and lagoons in their atolls under their jurisdiction. He said that the decision would address the most pressing needs of local councils to generate revenue and facilitate financial empowerment. He noted that President Muizzu initiated discussions on the issue at the first Cabinet meeting.
Additionally, Minister Shareef said that President Muizzu made the decision early in his tenure while previous governments failed to implement such a system to allow councils to generate revenue. He deemed President Muizzu a champion of decentralization and said that the President will allow every local council to receive an uninhabited island if they wish. He also expressed hope that the new mayor will carry forward President Muizzu's vision for Male' City.
Also at the ceremony, Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh said that during President Muizzu's tenure as Mayor, the city council worked with councilors of all ideologies in order to do what was needed to produce results. He also said that newly elected Mayor Adam Azim assured him that he would work with the government for the benefit of the city's residents. He added that the President has instructed the city council, which has a ruling coalition majority, to give the mayor their full cooperation.