Haa Dhaalu Islands Form Joint Board After Atoll Councils Abolished

Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif has announced a decision to form a joint board to facilitate collaboration between the islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, following the dissolution of Atoll Councils by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program, Athif stated that the current administration is undermining the Decentralization Act and systematically stripping councils of their powers through detrimental legislative changes.

Specifically, he noted that the 16th amendment effectively stole a year from the term, while the 17th amendment dismantled the administrative governance of the atolls. This, he said, raised questions and created significant obstacles regarding the delivery of numerous essential services to the public. He further stated that due to the government's hollow vision, the future of the entire atoll became uncertain, leading to a complete breakdown of order.

The Atoll Council had been providing transport services until we suddenly saw an announcement stating that licensing and all other transport-related services were being suspended effective immediately. How can this be allowed? When such significant legal changes are implemented, they are done without any consideration for the hardship caused to the public. Furthermore, these changes are introduced without any prior planning or measures to mitigate the resulting difficulties. After I posted about the situation on Facebook and the issue gained traction, the Local Government Authority (LGA) intervened. As I recall, the CEO of the LGA stated that the services had been halted without their authorization. Nevertheless, we have been assured that the services will be resumed.

Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, Mohamed Athif

Expressing concern over disruptions to public services, Athif noted that the Maldives' atolls have a long-standing tradition of engaging in extensive consultations and collaborative efforts.

He stated that a decision has been made to establish a board dedicated to the development of the entire atoll and matters concerning the public interest. He further noted that the decision to form the board was reached following consultations with other council members, all of whom expressed their support for the initiative.

Athif stated that a meeting regarding the matter was held last Thursday, during which the presidents of all islands in the atoll expressed their support for the initiative. He further noted that the Kulhudhuffushi City Council will be responsible for drafting the board's regulations and administrative framework. Additionally, the board's chairperson will be appointed following further consultations among the members.

The President of the Hanimaadhoo Council had a prior commitment that day, which had been scheduled well in advance. Similarly, the President of the Makunudhoo Council was attending to another matter. Consequently, I proceeded with the meeting alongside the presidents of the remaining nine islands. During the session, we discussed that despite current concerns, there are numerous collaborative efforts we can undertake. We identified specific areas for cooperation and proposed the formation of a board. Even if we meet only once a month, such a platform would allow us to deliberate on issues affecting the entire atoll and coordinate future plans. While this board may not hold formal legal status, we reached a decision that day to establish it.

Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, Mohamed Athif

Athif stated that even if the current administration dissolves the atoll councils, it will not succeed in destroying the unity of the atolls. He further noted that the board's activities are expected to commence very soon.

Furthermore, Athif stated that while he acknowledges the possibility of a suspension following this issue, the work will proceed as Kulhudhuffushi is a city upon which all islands in the atoll depend.