In a historic move in Maldives’ decentralisation journey, the government on Monday began the initiative of placing uninhabited islands under the jurisdiction of Local Island Councils.
During a ceremony on Monday, four uninhabited islands were officially placed under the jurisdiction of three island councils.
The agreements to certify the handover to the respective councils were signed by the Ministry of Finance and Planning with senior officials of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works in attendance.
Islands Handedover in the First Round
- Minimasgali and Fenfushi were handed over to the Dhaalu Atoll Council
- Neyo, Raa Atoll was handed over to Inguraidhoo Island Council
- Bodumaabulhali, Laamu Atoll was handed over to Maavah Island Council
These agreements were signed on behalf of the Dhaalu Atoll Council by its President Ahmed Shafiu. The Neyo agreement was signed by Inguraidhoo Island Council President Mohamed Jameel while Ahmed Moosa, President of the Maavah Island Council signed the Bodumaabulhali agreement.
Speaking after the signing, the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar hailed the initiative as a monumental step towards making President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for the financial and economic empowerment of local councils.
He underscored the efforts that went to amending the current laws and regulations to make this initiative a reality.
“These [uninhabited] islands were allocated to an Atoll Council and two island councils. The biggest responsibility of each council is to use these islands for the benefit of the respective islands and the whole Atoll,”. Adam Shareef said.
The decision to allocate uninhabited islands to local councils is part of President Dr Muizzu’s long term plan to facilitate and encourage economic and industrial activities in land scarce islands. The plan is designed to offer much needed financial and economic empowerment to local councils.
The government has announced plans to place over two dozen uninhabited islands under the jurisdiction of local councils.