President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that councils will receive 5% of the block grant, as stipulated by law, when this year's budget is passed. The President made this statement at the opening ceremony of the "Olhu Hiya" Pet Care Facility today.
In his address, President Muizzu highlighted the Government's ongoing efforts to empower councils and strengthen local administration. He noted that the Government has decided to facilitate councils' access to uninhabited islands to help boost their revenue and has pledged to allocate a portion of the local tourism tax to councils.
Furthering these initiatives, the President announced that, in addition to the 5% block grant, he would recommend amendments to the law to ensure councils receive a set percentage of the local tourism tax. He added that Cabinet discussions are underway to transfer several pending legal responsibilities to councils within the next week or two.
During his speech, President Muizzu emphasised that his Administration is committed to decentralisation, not merely through promises but by taking concrete steps to empower councils. He added that the inauguration of the Olhu Hiya Pet Care Facility is a testament to this commitment.