Decentralization powers are being curtailed because councils are executing projects more effectively than the government: Kendhikulhudhoo Council President Rauf
Rauf accused the government of attempting to undermine the decentralization system because the public views council-led initiatives as more impactful than the smaller projects carried out by the central government. Rauf further asserted that the MDP is the only party that fully implements decentralization and empowers citizens to shape their own development.
President of the N. Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council, Mohamed Rauf speaks on RaajjeTV's 'Fashaairu' | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Mohamed Rauf, President of the N. Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is stripping powers from the decentralized system because councils are outperforming the central government in implementing local initiatives and executing projects.
Speaking on Friday’s "Fashaairu" program, Rauf discussed the developmental progress of the island. He noted that significant development projects were carried out during both administrations of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
He noted that during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, several key projects were completed, including the construction of a mosque, a new powerhouse building, and a football ground. Rauf stated that by the time the government changed, work was well underway on a junior college and a hospital, while projects to modernize the roads and expand the harbor were also progressing. Additionally, he mentioned that a significant portion of the school’s three-story building had been finished, and 90 percent of the sewerage system was complete.
However, Rauf noted that following the change in administration, projects have not been progressing at the required pace. He stated that the only initiatives currently being undertaken by the government on the island are the development of a children's park and an outdoor gym.
Rauf stated that while the government was in the process of implementing these two projects, the council had already completed the development of a modern, high-standard volleyball court. He further noted that the government feels its own image is undermined when councils outperform them in project delivery. According to Rauf, this is the primary reason why the government is currently obstructing the work of local councils.
In essence, it is like the old days on the football pitch; when young children start playing and begin to excel, they are stopped. They are forced off the field one way or another. Similarly, local councils across many islands in the Maldives initiated significant, large-scale projects. Meanwhile, the central government started only two minor projects on this island: a children's park and an outdoor gym. In contrast, councils have undertaken major works; this island's council, for instance, initiated and completed a volleyball court and established numerous other services. Consequently, when the work of the councils on this island and across the country becomes more visible to the public than the government's own efforts, and when the effectiveness of the decentralization system and its benefits to the people become clear, the government feels the need to obstruct it. This happens because they prioritize promoting the central government over all else.Mohamed Rauf, President of the N. Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council.
Rauf stated that no political party other than the MDP can truly tolerate a decentralized system. He further noted that historical evidence shows the MDP is the only party to have consistently provided opportunities for island communities to implement initiatives according to their own needs and preferences.
