Local Government Authority (LGA) has stated local councils now have the full authority of developing islands, following the amendments brought to the Decentralisation Act.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Secretary General of LGA Adam Shareef Ahmed noted the amendments have facilitated councils to generate income independently, while also granting a larger budget for councils. He added the new amendments have granted councils the full authority of bringing development to islands.
Speaking further, Shareef said educated and capable councilors must be elected in the upcoming elections for islands to bear the fruit of the amendments brought to the Decentralisation Act. He highlighted the important role councilors must play in developing their islands.
Speaking on the programme, President of Mathiveri Council Ismail Athif said the amendments have made councils and islands financially independent, reducing the need to depend on the government for development projects. He said the amedments have also paved the way for residents to develop their islands according to their own vision.
The amendment bill to the Decentralisation Act was ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on December 15, 2019. The first local council election to be held under the amended Decentralisation Act will be held on April 4.