Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has announced that efforts are underway to allocate uninhabited islands situated outside the jurisdiction of local councils.
Minister Shareef announced the launch of an orientation programme designed to guide councils in acquiring uninhabited islands outside their customary jurisdiction. He expressed optimism that all councils would capitalise on such opportunities, ultimately benefiting island residents. Furthermore, he emphasised the government's commitment to bolstering the future of councils through empowerment initiatives.
A list of islands allocated to councils under the amended regulation, permitting their use for purposes other than fisheries, agriculture, industry, and commerce, has been released by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Infrastructure Development. This list comprises 25 islands earmarked for council use.
The government has established a dedicated ministry, in a bid to strengthen local governance. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government's unwavering support, pledging to provide councils with the necessary resources to become self-sufficient entities.