Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has underscored the government's commitment to bolstering local governance through the separation of jurisdiction and reinforcement of mandates for Atoll and Island Councils. His remarks were made during the Fanoahla Dharbubaaru event initiated by the Local Government Authority (LGA).
Minister Umar highlighted the administration's plans to empower both Atoll and Island Councils, aiming to provide them with distinct jurisdictions and mandates. This initiative seeks to enhance the councils' capacities while creating diverse income-generating opportunities for local communities.
At the event, Minister Umar announced the formation of a specialized team to offer legal guidance to the councils. Additionally, strategies are being devised to facilitate the provision of legal and technical expertise, as well as public works through Atoll Councils, further strengthening their role in local governance.
The two-day Fanoahla Dharbubaaru event, spearheaded by the LGA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused specifically on the Northern Islands. Attended by presidents of Atoll and Island Councils, along with members from Women Development Committees (WDC), the event aimed to foster collaboration among councils. Through this collaborative effort, councils can address shared challenges and explore innovative solutions for the benefit of their communities.
The government's proactive approach to empowering local councils underscores its commitment to decentralized governance and community development, ensuring that local authorities have the necessary resources and support to effectively serve their constituents.