President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that the changes he has proposed to the decentralization system would not, in any way, undermine public participation in the process.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that the changes he has proposed to the decentralization system would not, in any way, undermine public participation in the process.
The President visited the offices of the Male' City Council today and met with council members. At the meeting, he reiterated that he holds by the principles of decentralization, assuring that the changes he proposed will not pose any disadvantages to the councils or the people.
President Muizzu has earlier announced that the number of councilors will be decreased in island councils, with some changes to be brought to how the atoll councils are compiled. He maintains that doing so would allow the State to reduce expenditure significantly, with the saved funds then being allocated to projects that will bring further development for the people.
According to the President, a total of three councilors is sufficient for islands with populations of less than 3000.
The opposition, meanwhile, has strongly criticized the government in response to these proposed changes. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that councils were being downsized in an attempt to undermine their powers.
The President indirectly responded to these allegations during today's meeting with the Male' City Council.
"The only thing I am aiming to do here is to increase efficiency within this system. To bring some amendments to the law so as to allow future work to proceed better than it is now. I do not wish people's representation to be lessened at all. Together with guaranteeing representation, the councils will become somewhat smaller in some islands," he explained.
At today's meeting, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim shared current concerns and challenges faced by the city council with the President.
These include concerns regarding the delays in handing over the flats and land plots granted to residents during the former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, parking issues in the capital city, space constraints at the cemeteries, and worries about swell waves, along with several other issues.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the council in commencing municipality services in Hulhumale'.
"I will ensure that the matter of land plots and housing proceeds with the complete participation of the council. In any case, over 21,000 forms have been submitted. As the proper course of action is to hand over the 4000 flats to people under the published process, within a point scoring system, it is most ideal for councilors representing Male' residents to oversee how this is being done. So I will ensure that you are able to do so," the President said.
The President assured that the other concerns of the council will also be addressed through collaboration with the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.
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