Decentralization Act amendments necessitated due to misuse of budget: Himandhoo Council

Himandhoo Council President Husham Ismail has said today that the government had had to amend the Decentralization Act due to some councils misusing the budget and the law.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited AA. Himandhoo today during his ongoing visit to the atoll. Speaking at a community meeting held today, attended by the President, Husham said that Himandhoo Council is amongst the councils that issued a statement in response to the Decentralization Act amendments.

Husham said the council issued the statement out of concern that the amendments could disrupt previously efficient workflows and create new challenges.

Husham said that the government had had to put in place the new amendments due to some councils misusing the budgets allocated.

"Himandhoo Council also conducts an annual experiential trip through the funds granted by the State. We go to some island in the Maldives as a motivation trip for staff. But there are some councils that conduct even four or five experiential trips in a year," he said.

"Some councils even go abroad. So it is because of these councils that were acting wrongfully that the rest of the councils are facing these limitations."

Husham conceded that the amendments brought to the Decentralization Act by the government are beneficial.

He rejected claims from some councils that the amendments effectively take away a year from their term, and said that it will not be a challenge to seek authorization and then conduct affairs.

"The new amendments present the chance for councils who were previously making unnecessary expenses to improve their work. Even in the rest of the term, they can work for the benefit of the people through taking necessary authorizations," he said.

Husham said that the new amendments pose no obstacles to bringing development to island communities.

The amendments to the Decentralization Act were ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on last Sunday night.