Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef has outlined the ministry's efforts to enhance the role of Atoll Councils and grant them greater authority.
Speaking exclusively to PSM News, Minister Shareef acknowledged the current limitations imposed by the Decentralisation of Administrative Areas Act on Atoll Councils' decision-making powers. However, he affirmed the government's commitment to expanding these powers and delegating management responsibilities for the atolls to the councils.
Currently, Atoll Councils comprise the Presidents of Island Councils within each respective atoll. Minister Shareef pointed out that this structure often leads councils to focus primarily on individual island development rather than holistic atoll development—a dynamic he intends to change. He emphasised the need for Atoll Councils to unite efforts towards comprehensive atoll development aligned with community aspirations.
Minister Shareef stressed the importance of clarifying and amplifying the responsibilities of Atoll Councils to bolster their mandate. He emphasised the imperative for councils to engage in conscientious collaboration with local communities.
Furthermore, Minister Shareef announced his readiness to introduce legislative amendments aimed at empowering Atoll Councils. He also disclosed that the National University of Maldives is conducting a comprehensive study on the country's decentralization system at the ministry's request. This study, he noted, will identify key challenges and propose effective solutions.
Through these initiatives, Minister Shareef aims to strengthen the effectiveness of Atoll Councils and enhance local governance structures across the Maldives.