Maafushi’s Council-Led Sand Barge Launch Framed by Minister Adam Shareef as ‘Historic Moment’ in Maldives’ Decentralisation Drive

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to decentralisation, describing the system as a framework through which citizens can shape and implement development in alignment with their collective aspirations.

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, addressed the matter during a ceremony in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll, where a newly constructed sand barge was inaugurated to support beach nourishment efforts. He characterised decentralisation as a people-led governance model, enabling communities to work directly with government institutions to meet local needs.

The sand barge, developed through the Maafushi Local Authority Company Limited, was presented as a milestone in the country’s decentralisation efforts. Minister Adam Shareef highlighted the importance of financially empowering island councils, a policy championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and identified the minister as a successful example of this strategy in practice.

“The Maafushi Council has demonstrated that the policy of financially empowering councils, as outlined by the President, can be effectively implemented,” Minister Adam Shareef stated.

This initiative marks one of the first instances in which an island has independently secured funding through its own mechanisms to undertake critical development works. Minister Adam Shareef described the achievement as historic, expressing renewed optimism for the decentralised system and its capacity to enable communities to drive their own progress.

“This represents true decentralisation in its most authentic sense; it is the advancement that citizens ought to receive from a decentralised system. For councils and associated institutions to collaborate in a manner that directly benefits the people and aligns with their desires; this, in its true meaning, is what defines genuine decentralisation,” the minister stated.

Across the country, councils are increasingly pursuing financial autonomy. Minister Adam Shareef affirmed that the decentralised framework is broadly beneficial, irrespective of the governing administration, and enjoys widespread public support throughout the country.

The inauguration ceremony drew senior officials from the cities ministry, the Member of Parliament for Maafushi, and representatives of the Maafushi Council. Minister Adam Shareef commended the community’s efforts, attributing the sand barge project to the diligence and initiative of Maafushi’s residents, and extended his congratulations to the island’s population.

Maafushi Council President Hassan Solah outlined the barge’s primary function: to mitigate beach erosion and enhance the island’s coastline through nourishment works. He expressed confidence that Maafushi would soon feature some of the most attractive swimming beaches in the country, a goal the council remains committed to achieving.

Minister Adam Shareef echoed this vision, noting that the sand barge offers a critical solution to Maafushi’s persistent coastal erosion challenges. In addition to its immediate purpose, the council anticipates deploying the barge for a range of other development projects. These initiatives are viewed by the government as instrumental in improving the quality of life for residents and advancing the island’s economic and social wellbeing.