CEO of the Local Government Authority (LGA) Fathimath Afshan Latheef has stated collaborated efforts with local councils to identify and address the difficulties faced in implementing the new Decentralisation Act is already reaping benefits, with solutions provided for many of the issues.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Viavathi Raajje Conference in Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll, CEO Afshan said the biggest responsibility of LGA is to listen to the concerns of local councils and to work with the relevant authorities to find solutions for the issues. Afshan noted LGA has conducted separate meetings with 98 local councils over the past one year, as well as six forums at atoll level. She added LGA has also conducted 78 training programmes, during which over 14,000 members and staff of local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) were trained.
Speaking further, Afshan said LGA continues to share the concerns raised by local councils with the relevant authorities such as the President’s Office and the Parliament of the Maldives. Afshan said the efforts have led to positive results, with many of the solutions worked out through these efforts ready to be implemented soon. As such, she noted the establishment of the Local Authority Company has been facilitated, as well as enabling local councils to receive the transport fees generated from their respective islands.
Afshan added LGA continues to undertake several efforts to assist local councils in carrying out their responsibilities as per the Decentralisation Act. In this regard, she noted LGA is working on providing financial and technical assistance to local councils in preparing land use plans.
The new Decentralisation Act came into effect in 2019. The new law was passed with many new authorities and responsibilities granted to local councils.