The Local Government Authority (LGA) has marked its 16th anniversary.
The LGA was established by Parliament in 2010 to oversee councils and support the implementation of the decentralisation system.
On the occasion of LGA’s anniversary, the authority’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal said significant changes have been made to the decentralisation system over the past 16 years to strengthen local councils. He said these changes have helped councils operate more effectively and provide services to the public more easily.
Nimal further noted that LGA and councils are working closely together. He said the authority has been responding faster to councils’ requests and providing necessary support, while councils continue to cooperate with instructions provided by the authority.
According to LGA, the authority has increased training programmes for council members and administrative staff, including overseas training, to improve their understanding of the system and changes to it. The authority is also assisting councils with preparing five-year development and financial plans.
Following the 18th amendment to the Decentralisation Act, LGA employees have been brought under the Civil Service structure and are receiving training on relevant rules and procedures.