Mayor Athif urges Pres. to reconsider Decentralization Act amendment

Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif has called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to review and amend the 16th amendment to the Decentralization Act, warning that the changes are harmful to local councils.

Mayor Athif emphasized that Kulhudhuffushi, the most populous island in the northern region and a key economic hub, plays a vital role in providing daily services to residents from across the north. He stated that the city’s most successful progress over the past four years has stemmed from decentralized development, and expressed concern that the recent amendment threatens to undermine that momentum.

Since 2021, with the powers, financial autonomy, and jurisdictional authority granted by the Decentralization Act, the results of the work done in Kulhudhuffushi and the services provided to the people are visible to the citizens today."

Mayor Athif

Mayor Athif underscored that decentralization remains the most effective approach for driving nationwide development, asserting that island communities no longer wish to rely on ministries in Malé for basic services.

He revealed that the Kulhudhuffushi City Council has conducted a comprehensive review of the 16th amendment to the Decentralization Act and submitted its findings to the Decentralization Committee, Members of Parliament, the relevant minister, and the President’s Office for consideration.

Mayor Athif expressed deep concern over the 16th amendment, noting that it restricts councils from carrying out certain functions during the final year of their term. “It is deeply troubling that this amendment hinders essential work in the last year of a council’s tenure,” he said. “I sincerely urge President Muizzu to rectify this flawed change, on behalf of all the beloved citizens of Kulhudhuffushi.”