President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made a plea to local councils against venturing into businesses and services the private sector can provide.
Addressing residents of Kendhoo, Baa Atoll after he was afforded a warm welcome upon arrival, as part of his ongoing tour of the Atoll, President Dr Muizzu reflected on the developmental needs of the island and the ongoing government-led efforts to address them.
The President stressed that the contracts signed during the visit for the harbour, land reclamation and shore protection of Kendhoo are three projects that will be carried out simultaneously, expressing commitment to delivering positive results in the near future.
He acknowledged his electoral pledge to develop the roads in the island, announcing that the project will be kick-started soon before addressing the housing shortage in the island after the land reclamation project is completed.
In addition, the President pledged to give special emphasis on the development of Kendhoo’s sports and fitness infrastructure, revealing that all necessary arrangements have been made to hand over the development contract of a football stadium, fitness and recreation centre and outdoor gym to a State-owned company.
President Dr Muizzu expressed hope to avoid obstacles and resistance faced in some islands to implement infrastructure development projects.
“Things happen differently in different islands. I hope that everything that is for the development and benefit of the people will be facilitated in all the islands,” he urged.
Contrary to the function of a decentralised system, the President, during his address also pointed out that some island councils were misusing government block grants and council revenue.
He insisted that block grants must be invested by the island councils for the socio-economic development of the respective islands and urged councillors not to squander its limited financial resources on meaningless administrative and travel expenses.
“There have been instances where the entire council has travelled abroad. When it came to light, they quickly labelled them as exposure trips,” he said urging councils for more fiscal responsibility.
He also noted that some island councils were directly competing with private businesses as they continue to venture into businesses and services the private sector can provide.
The President's plea came days after the Parliament approved a bill proposing significant amendments to the Decentralisation Act, aimed at strengthening the financial management of local councils.
The key objectives of the bill include defining the scope of business activities permitted for local authority companies established by councils under the Decentralisation Act, and reviewing policies related to the allocation of state funding for councils. The proposed amendment also aims to establish policies to be followed by councils in making important financial decisions during the last year of their term.
The proposed amendments include criteria for business activities of local authority companies established by councils.
Commitment to Decentralised Governance
President Dr Muizzu, during his address reiterated his Administration’s commitment to working closely with the people in implementing developmental projects to deliver public services that reflects the true essence of decentralisation.
He stressed that genuine progress requires the President, Cabinet members, and institutional leaders to engage directly with communities. This, he explained, is a practice that reflects his Administration’s guiding principle of delivering decentralised services.
The President observed that this system is one he has experienced firsthand, adding that the benefits of decentralisation, along with the importance of unity in driving progress, are clearly evident.
Calling for sincerity and trustworthiness in municipal governance, President Dr Muizzu urged local councils to set aside political differences and work with the Government in the best interests of their communities. He then highlighted recent legal reforms preventing council-owned companies from engaging in small and micro businesses, explaining that these measures aim to protect private entrepreneurs and ensure equal opportunities for all.
The President assured Kendhoo residents that his Administration remains committed to fulfilling the 10 pledges for the island’s complete development, along with additional commitments. He emphasised that key projects in health, education, and recreation will be implemented in line with established principles.
The visit also saw significant announcements, including a land reclamation, harbour upgrade, and coastal protection project in Kendhoo, while water and sewerage services were officially inaugurated.
Key Infrastructure Projects Kick-off in Kendhoo
To coincide with the President’s visit, the government signed the contract with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC) to construct a brand new harbour and shore protection in Kendhoo.
CEO Ahmed Saudee signed the agreement on behalf of MTCC while the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib signed for the government.
According to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, the project will dredge an area of 112,016 acres, along with revetment, mooring buoys and canal reinforcements.
The project worth around USD 7.7 million dollars has been awarded to be completed within 450 days, the Ministry added.
Gov’t to Shape Sports Infrastructure to Match Island Needs
The government will incorporate the ideas and needs of the people in implementing sports infrastructure development in the islands, the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu has assured.
Minister Rafiu who is part of the delegation accompanying the President on his tour of Baa Atoll, spoke to PSM news on the sidelines of the visit to Kendhoo.
According to the Minister, sports grounds, courts, fitness and recreation centres and outdoor gyms in the Atolls are designed to facilitate people to lead healthy lifestyles while also inspiring and developing the next generation of athletes in the Maldives. provide opportunities for the people to stay healthy and produce good players.
He revealed that the government through State-owned firms are working to secure the required sports equipment in bulk from abroad.
President Meets Community Leaders
President Dr Muizzu, during his visit, met with members of the Kendhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions, to discuss the island’s key development needs.
During discussions, Council members drew attention to the absence of a boatyard and a designated area for industrial activities. They requested the resumption of works on the mosque, the installation of lighting in the football ground, and the expansion of the ground itself. Concerns were expressed regarding the harbour development and land reclamation projects, with an emphasis on ensuring that road development is undertaken in a manner that preserves the island’s natural beauty.
Additional issues raised included the need to address waste management requirements, upgrade the power station’s network, and alleviate space constraints at the Health Centre. The Council also highlighted the necessity of a specialist doctor.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured that the Government would give due consideration to the issues raised and work towards appropriate solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development initiatives on the island, accompanied by relevant Cabinet Ministers and heads of State-Owned Enterprises.
President Dr Muizzu began his four-day tour earlier today, during which he will visit the 13 inhabited islands across Baa Atoll. He is accompanied by several Ministers and senior Government officials.