President Dr Mohammed Muizzu on Monday announced a significant salary increase and reclassification for administrative employees working in local island councils, stressing that the move is a core component of his government’s commitment to high-priority decentralisation efforts.
The pay hike, according to the President, is set to take effect from 1 November, aligning island council staff compensation with the broader civil service pay harmonisation plan.
Addressing a community gathering in Kurendhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll as part of his ongoing tour of the Atoll, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the heavy workload borne by council administrative staff, noting that they often work round the clock despite having been categorised in very low pay grades historically.
To rectify this disparity and elevate the status of local governance, the administrative employees of all island councils will be promoted to higher grades, ensuring parity with their counterparts in the general civil service, he announced.
"We have decided to harmonise the pay of civil service employees from 1 November and increase the salary of council employees. We will promote all council administrative employees from their current category of Rank 4 to Rank 1. So, the November salary, paid at the end of the month, will reflect this increase,” he explained.
This policy change places the administrative staff of island councils on the same improved salary structure as general civil service and judicial employees, whose pay raises were also previously announced to begin in November.
The President confirmed that the government is arranging these pay increases as part of a sweeping initiative designed to boost the income of the general populace. He added that while the civil service, judicial sector, and local councils are included in the 2023 pay structure overhaul, the remaining state institutions are expected to have their pay harmonised during the next calendar year.
Addressing local infrastructure priorities, the President acknowledged existing deficiencies in the harbour and related development works. He stated that the harbour upgrading project will proceed with design modifications that incorporate feedback from the community and the Island Council. The revised scope of works includes the construction of a vessel ramp, the installation of a quay wall, and essential improvements to harbour channel markers.
The President also assured that the new extension building for the Kurendhoo Health Centre will be designed to provide services currently unavailable on the island. Upon completion, the facility will feature a four-bed ward, a nurses’ station, an X-ray room, consultation rooms, and private patient rooms, a development expected to strengthen healthcare services in Kurendhoo.
The President also addressed the pressing housing challenges faced by the community, explaining ongoing efforts towards declaring the neighbouring island of Lhossalafushi, a part of Kurendhoo. He explained that, depending on land availability, priority will be given to implementing housing projects.
During the meeting, agreements were formalised for the construction of the Health Centre extension building and for road development works on the island.
President Dr Muizzu also witnessed the official inauguration of the Lhaviyani Atoll School’s newly constructed multi-purpose hall and the groundbreaking on a new police station and the harbour development project in Kurendhoo before meeting the island’s community leaders to discuss the most pertinent concerns of the residents.
During the meeting held at Lhaviyani Atoll School, council members shared the most crucial priorities for the island's development. In this regard, they highlighted the harbour development project, requesting its completion to align with the residents' wishes. This includes the inclusion of a quay wall and the construction of a ramp for waste transportation.
Additionally, they noted the staffing constraints at the Health Centre, requesting the introduction of physiotherapy services in the new extension building, given that the necessary machines, donated by a well-wisher, are already available. They also highlighted the need for land reclamation due to land scarcity and noted that more housing units are required in addition to the 50 units currently under construction.
The Council also requested the provision of sewerage services for applicants and an increase in the island's electricity capacity, including an additional generator, to supply power to the 50 new housing units.
Requests were also made for the replacement of the turf on the island's main football field and repairs to the futsal pitch fence.
The President stated that the issues highlighted by the Council would be addressed, and the accompanying Cabinet Ministers and heads of State-Owned Enterprises also shared the latest updates on the island’s ongoing projects.
The President’ two-day itinerary includes visits to four islands in Lhaviyani Atoll including Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo, and Olhuvelifushi. In Kaafu Atoll, he will visit Kaashidhoo, Dhiffushi, and Thulusdhoo.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to visit all the atolls, to strengthen direct engagement with atoll, island, and city councils to advance development across the country.