LGA blocks joint council board aimed at developing HDh. Atoll

Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed all local councils in Haa Dhaalu Atoll to discontinue efforts to establish a joint board aimed at overseeing the development of the atoll.

The initiative was launched following an online meeting held last Thursday between Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif and presidents of island councils across Haa Dhaalu Atoll. During the meeting, it was agreed to establish a board focused on advancing the socio-economic development of the atoll and to develop a framework and operational guidelines outlining its objectives.

In an official letter addressed to Mayor Athif, the LGA referred to the Decentralization Act, stating that following the abolition of Atoll Councils, the responsibility for regional development and administrative coordination within an administrative division falls solely under the Authority’s mandate.

The LGA therefore argued that the establishment of an independent board by the councils of Haa Dhaalu Atoll lacks legal reasoning. The Authority further stated that the proposed initiative is inconsistent with the principles and objectives behind recent amendments to the Decentralization Act.

While directing the councils to suspend the process, the LGA requested clarification regarding the legal authority under which the decision to establish the board was made.

Responding to the LGA’s directive, Mayor Athif, who represents the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stated on social media that the councils did not intend to duplicate the functions or services provided by the LGA or the former Atoll Council system.

Instead, the Mayor said the purpose of the initiative was to identify areas where councils could work together to achieve meaningful development outcomes for Haa Dhaalu Atoll. He added that such cooperation would ultimately contribute to the benefit of the country and its people.

"While the LGA has instructed us to stop, it is noteworthy that their own performance evaluation criteria for councils reward marks for collaborative efforts between local authorities. This directive essentially contradicts the LGA's own established policies," Athif noted.

The Mayor further asserted that the councils would not be discouraged by such directives, maintaining that initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and improving the welfare of citizens in the region would continue despite attempts to halt them.