Government moves to abolish councils and centralize administration of atoll offices under Male'-based Ministry

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that although atoll councils will be dissolved once the new councils are sworn in, those offices will continue to operate under the Ministry in Male'. He noted that the only significant change would be the absence of elected council members.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Tuesday, Minister Adam Shareef stated that the current island and atoll council administrations will be dissolved once the new council is sworn in. However, he noted that the Local Government Authority (LGA) will establish its own offices at these locations. The Minister further assured that once these offices are established, they will continue to provide the same public services currently offered by the atoll councils.

Furthermore, essential government services, such as the issuance of national identity cards, will continue without interruption. At the same time, we will ensure a stable working environment for employees, allowing them to carry out their duties without any job insecurity or professional challenges. Regarding your question about the fate of resources following the dissolution of atoll councils and the establishment of these new offices, since these assets currently belong to the atoll councils, they will remain the property of the atoll. We are working to ensure that as the Local Government Authority (LGA) establishes these offices, all arrangements are made to guarantee that the ownership and protection of these resources remain with the people of the atoll.

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar