More awareness from all stakeholders remains the key to strengthening the decentralised system of governance in the Maldives, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar said Wednesday.
In his message to mark the 15th Anniversary of decentralisation in the Maldives, Minister Adam Shareef insisted that the system must work closely with the people, ensure their true participation and include their say.
The services and needs of the people must be organised with their say through an orderly system, he said, adding that local councils should always be ready to respond to the concerns, criticisms and queries of the people which is the true essence of the decentralised system along with the constitution.
Minister Adam Shareef said the country’s decentralisation system can only be strengthened by more oversight, active participation and awareness from the government, parliament, judiciary, media and the public.
The Minister also called on all stakeholders to revive the concept of decentralisation through respect for State functions, understanding that local councils are part or layer of the central government, operating within democratic and accountable principles, being transparent in decision making, increasing public participation and increasing public confidence in councils.
Minister Adam Shareef said the government's primary aim is to financially empower local councils, improve infrastructure and human resource capacity and expertise.
In order to financially empower local councils, the Minister noted President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s landmark decision to place uninhabited islands under the jurisdiction of the councils, along with public services such as passport and national identity card renewal services now being made available in the Atolls.
Minister Adam Shareef said the people will witness the true realisation of a decentralisation system of governance in the Maldives during this Administration.