President to the Councils: Ball is in your court

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that the administration is working towards empowering councils, paving the way for councils to turn a profit and to serve the public through councils.

President Muizzu is currently visiting all Haa Dhaalu Atoll islands, with him meeting with residents of Kulhudhuffushi last night. The President stated that if councils were to propose any projects that fell in line with the approved Land Use Plan then those projects would not be cancelled and that approval would be granted.

However, if a project that falls outside the Land Use Plan were to be proposed, the administration would check if it falls in line with the President's pledges and government policy.

"This is what the law states. If it falls in line with government policy then it will be approved. Even if it pertains to hiring someone. Approval will be given within the defined framework and if the budget allows it," said the President.

The President stated that, during his time as the mayor of Male', the "difficulties" Male' City Council faced via and during MDP's administration are not to be repeated in this administration. The President went on to say that the current administration will work towards turning a profit for the councils and to set up uninhabited islands for councils in a way that falls within jurisdictions.

The President also stated that councils have been given the legal authority to conduct their work but nothing is being done and that this makes it difficult for him to believe some of the things councils talk about.

"The ball is in the council's court. Many councils have been given many islands. So the work needs to start now. Even Kulhudhuffushi has been given the project of building a swimming track. But it still hasn't been done," said President Muizzu.

As per the President, what is most important to him is to serve the public as fairly as possible. He said differences in political ideology does not concern him when he travels to islands with different political thinking from the government. He gave his word that no civilian will be treated differently just because of their political ideologies.

A lot of councils have been expressing their worry due to the amendments to the Decentralization Act. Councils have also been requesting that the President gives the changes more thought.

Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Ahmed Athif spoke about the amendments during the meeting. He expressed concern saying that the amendments would make it so that they wouldn't be able to serve the needs of the public. He went on to request that the President rethink the amendments.

President Muizzu has stated that with the changes to the Decentralization Act, there will be a reduction in councils as well. If an island has a population less than 2,000, then councils will only contain three members. If an island has a population more than 2,000, then councils will contain five members.

Women's Development Committee's will also see the same changes. However, the President for these committees will be elected via an island-wide vote, with amendments being changed to make it a full-time position, as stated by President Muizzu.