Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has emphasised the government's commitment to expanding the training programs offered by the Local Government Authority's (LGA) training institute across the nation. Maldives Institute of Local Governance (MILG) is the training institute, established in February 2023, for the purpose of undertaking its capacity development mandate on behalf of LGA.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Shareef underscored the importance of electing competent counsellors to achieve desired reforms. The minister noted that well-trained and disciplined councils are crucial for delivering exceptional services. He underscored the importance of investing in only essential trainings of the current council members as their term comes to an end, outlined plans for nationwide orientation programs in management for future councillors. He also unveiled plans to bolster the institute with enhanced resources and facilities.
Additionally, Minister Shareef indicated that the ministry will explore training opportunities for counsellors in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development. The minister mentioned that specialised courses in decentralisation are being offered at the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) and assured that future elected councillors will benefit from comprehensive skill development programs in management.