Amendments to Decentralization Act pose significant obstacles to councils in fulfilling their responsibilities: Mayor Azim

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that subsequent amendments to the Decentralization Act have created significant practical obstacles for councils in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities.

Speaking at a town hall meeting on Thursday night, Azim stated that over the past 15 years, the decentralization system has strengthened local democracy, increased public participation, and enhanced the delivery of essential services.

However, Azim noted that the journey toward fully implementing the decentralization system is far from over, acknowledging that significant challenges remain. He stated that recent legislative amendments have created substantial obstacles for local councils. Furthermore, he highlighted that changes made to the Decentralization Act over the past six months have severely impacted the City Council's ability to carry out its responsibilities.

Recent amendments to the Decentralization Act have significantly hindered councils' ability to fulfill their statutory obligations. As we present the report for the past six months tonight, it is important to note that the changes brought to the Act during this period have severely impacted the City Council's capacity to carry out its responsibilities.

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim

Azim stated that establishing a true decentralized system requires more than simply delegating responsibilities to local authorities. He emphasized that councils must also be granted the necessary autonomy, resources, and institutional capacity to fulfill those responsibilities effectively.

The Male' City Council has formulated a strategic development plan outlining key objectives to be achieved between 2027 and 2031. The plan aims to address the various challenges facing the capital and transform it into a more livable and pleasant environment.

The long-term master plan, titled "Rethink Male’ Urban Strategy 2030/2050," outlines a primary vision to transform Male’ into a livable and pleasant island city over the next 25 years. The plan is structured around three core pillars: environment, economy, and society. Under these thematic areas, a total of seven key strategies have been established.

The first strategy of the plan is to transform Malé into a "Fast City." The objective is to establish a seamless system for transportation and pedestrian mobility. Under this initiative, authorities have decided to determine the vehicle carrying capacity of the city, upgrade roads to modern standards, and strengthen the public transportation network.

The second strategy focuses on creating a "Cool City." This initiative includes increasing greenery to lower temperatures in Male', resolving flooding issues, and strengthening the waste management system. The third strategy aims to transform Male' into a "Responsive City." Under this pillar, land-use planning will be reorganized, and specific zones will be designated for industrial activities.

The fourth strategy, aimed at economic growth, focuses on building a "Prosperous City," while the fifth strategy centers on creating an "Inclusive City." The objective of this approach is to ensure equitable access to housing and employment opportunities. As a sixth strategy, the plan aims to develop Male' as a "Distinctive City," with a dedicated focus on preserving its cultural heritage.

The final strategy of the plan is to establish a "Safe and Secure City." Under this pillar, initiatives will be undertaken to raise public awareness regarding legal assistance and digital security. The Male' City Council stated that plans are also in place to further strengthen the council's administrative operations to achieve these objectives. The council highlighted this plan as a significant step forward for the future of Male'.

According to the City Council, the meeting held on Thursday night was a significant initiative aimed at working closely with the residents of Male' City and seeking their views and consultation.