MDP has condemned the directive issued by the Local Government Authority (LGA) ordering the halt of efforts initiated by the islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll to form a special board for atoll development through collective participation, following the dissolution of atoll councils.
LGA has sent a letter to the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, ordering them to immediately halt the work they have initiated to form a board that encompasses the islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Condemning this, MDP stated in a press release issued today that state institutions cannot influence decisions made by councils within their own jurisdiction, nor can they force the cancellation of those decisions. The statement also noted that directing the change of a decision passed in an official council meeting to align with the government's wishes is an undermining of the law.
MDP stated that attempting to forcibly invalidate these decisions through letters sent under government influence is clear evidence showing the government's disregard for the decision of the residents of Kulhudhuffushi City, and the calls and sentiments of the entire Haa Dhaalu Atoll population as a whole.
MDP called for respect towards the decision made by the Kulhudhuffushi City Council and for the immediate withdrawal of the directive sent to alter the decision. It also called for an end to political influence over the work done by councils for the development of cities and islands, and for the benefit of the citizens.
In a letter sent by LGA to Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif, it stated that since atoll councils have been dissolved and the responsibilities of those institutions have been transferred to the LGA, carrying out tasks necessary for the development of the entire administrative division is a responsibility of the authority.
Therefore, LGA stated that it does not believe forming a board that includes all the islands of the atoll is something that can be done. The authority also believes that working in such a manner conflicts with the concept of the amendment brought to the Decentralization Act to dissolve atoll councils.
LGA has instructed to halt the work started by the islands to form the board and to clarify the legal stance taken to reach that decision.
Regarding the LGA's letter, Mayor Athif stated that the effort to form a board is not to provide services rendered by the atoll council or the LGA, but is an effort initiated to identify work that can be done collectively by the councils for the development of the atoll through inter-island cooperation, and to achieve results from it.
According to Athif, they cannot be intimidated into backing down. He further stated that work done for the sake of the region's citizens cannot be stopped.
