Local Government Authority (LGA) has stated that local councils should refrain from making any decision that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens. LGA made the statement in a press release on the Felidhoo Island Council, which decided to withhold its services to individuals and their families until they pay their dues to the council.
The Felidhoo Island Council stated that it made the decision after making many efforts to recover payments for leasing land plots under its jurisdiction. In the subsequent press release, LGA also expressed concern over individuals neglecting to pay the councils for their services, as it poses financial challenges to the councils.
However, LGA stated that councils should not take action that violates the fundamental rights of citizens. The authority stated that no citizen can be deprived of a service provided by a local council that is guaranteed by the Constitution. It further stated that it considers any legal action taken against any citizen for non-payment of dues to the council to be an infringement of their individual rights.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) also urged the Felidhoo Island Council to retract its statement under Article 26(h) of the Human Rights Commission Act. HRCM expressed concern that the council decided to withhold its services to specific individuals, highlighting that no law, including the Decentralisation Act, allows a local council to stop providing a service for any reason.
Felidhoo in Vaavu Atoll has a population of around 500 people.