Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that preparations are underway to resolve challenges faced by the local councils. He made the statement while speaking at an ideation workshop on the establishment of an association to empower councils held in Kamadhoo, Baa Atoll.
Speaking at the workshop, Minister Shareef highlighted the government's policy on collaborating closely with councils. He outlined a policy focusing on identifying and resolving the issues faced by the councils with the support of qualified professionals, adding that the initiative will begin in the next three months.
Additionally, Minister Shareef highlighted insights gained from the ideation workshop, conducted in partnership with the Baa Atoll Council, the Local Government Authority (LGA), and delegates from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), known for having the most comprehensive decentralisation system globally. He said that the collaborative effort will assist in addressing council-related challenges.
LGA will be holding ideation workshops in various parts of the country. The purpose of the workshops is to discuss aspects and conditions for the formation of a Local Council Association in order to address the absence of an independent body ensuring governmental accountability while empowering councils through legal mandates.