Didi Reverses Course, Says Island Chiefs Were Better Than Councilors

Ibrahim Didi, the Member of Parliament for the South Feydhoo constituency, has stated that islands benefited far more during the era of island chiefs, also known as Katheebun than they have under the current system of local councils.

During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Didi strongly criticized local councils while debating a resolution submitted by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, which calls for a positive revision of council members' salaries.

In this regard, Didi stated that councils are failing to perform any meaningful work. The member further asserted that it is the civil service staff who carry out the most strenuous labor within the councils.

Didi stated that under the current decentralised administration of the Maldives, the structure of local councils has evolved such that the work of councilors is now limited solely to the illegal distribution of island land to various individuals.

Alternatively, land plots may have been expanded or replaced with even larger areas of land. We must question whether such irregularities should persist, or whether we should return to the established procedures of the past. For instance, we currently see citizens struggling for two or three years just to have their plot boundaries demarcated, yet the land is never officially handed over. In contrast, during the era of the island chiefs, before the introduction of local councils, these matters were managed far more effectively.

Ibrahim Didi, Member of Parliament for the South Feydhoo constituency.

The member stated that no positive outcome has been achieved through the appointment or election of councilors, mayors, council presidents, or secretaries-general.

While Didi has now come out in strong criticism of the councils, the member had previously advocated for the benefits of their existence. Specifically, when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided to hold a referendum to separate Feydhoo—which accounts for a significant portion of Addu City's population—from the city’s jurisdiction, Didi had highlighted the vital importance of maintaining independent local councils.

The member cited Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo as a prime example, noting that despite having a local council, the island consistently receives all essential services, including an airport, schooling, guesthouse businesses, and water and sewerage systems. He further highlighted that these developments have contributed to the island's overall prosperity.

Stating that island councils and their residents must work together towards development, the member further noted that many islands achieved progress through such collaborative efforts.