The Local Government Ministry explained to the Decentralisation Committee of the Parliament, the current situation of the state houses located in various islands across the country.
Maldives is showing signs of a lack in unitary character, and is moving towards a federal system, said the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works today.
Speaking at the Parliament's Committee on Decentralisation, the Ministry's State Minister Mohamed Mahir said that governing the country has been divided among governments, which has led to the characteristics of a unitary state being diminished. Because of this, the current system suggests the country is moving towards a federal government, he said.
"Individual small governments. Now [the terminology is] we are referred to as the main government, and island governments. [We're] divided into governments and the unitary characteristics are lost," he said.
Senior officials of the Local Government Ministry were summoned to the committee today over the 'atholhugé' or statehouses previously established in governing islands of the atolls.
Mahir said that although the buildings are physically in the islands, they belong to the state. He said that although the local councils earn from leasing the buildings, it the Finance Ministry's responsibility to supply the materials required for the premises.
The Ministry said that they have entered into an agreement with local councils regarding these buildings, but that the councils bring changes to the buildings as they wish.
Mahir said that the maintenance of these State houses are the responsibility of the State as they are used as accommodation facilities for presidents and government officials on their visits to these atolls.
State Minister Moosa Fathuhy Adam also spoke on the matter, adding that the State houses require a lot of renovation, and that they have planned to develop guesthouses in islands where there are no state houses.
He also said that some local councils make a good income from renting out these buildings.
Executive Director of the Ministry Hamid Yoosuf said that although Atoll Council presidents receive living allowances, one Atoll Council President lives with his family in the State house while also claiming their living allowance.
Due to this, the State house cannot be used for any other purposes, he highlighted.
However, most State houses are being managed within the regulations, he pointed out.
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