President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his Government’s commitment to empowering councils and ensuring good governance through decentralisation.

Speaking at a community meeting in Kulhudhuffushi this evening, the President said the recent amendments to the Decentralisation Act were introduced to strengthen local governance and provide councils with greater authority. He assured that his Administration would not interfere in the work of civic bodies.

Reflecting on his own experience as Mayor, President Dr Muizzu said he was determined that no council should face the same challenges he encountered under the former government. He described his resolve as a commitment to champion decentralisation and create opportunities for councils to take charge of development.

The President noted that councils have now been given responsibility for a range of initiatives, including projects such as the construction of swimming tracks, and emphasised that financial powers will also be granted to local authorities. “The ball is in the council’s court now,” he said.

He further stressed that development would not be based on political ideology or geographical bias, but on the Government’s pledge to deliver fairly across the country.

While the amendments to the Decentralisation Act have been ratified, some councils have raised concerns. Under the changes, councils cannot initiate projects in the final year of their term without government approval, and local government companies formed by councils are limited to undertaking projects valued above MVR 10 million.