Government must stop efforts to undermine authority of local councils: Fulhadhoo Council Member
4 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:47A Fulhadhoo Council member has expressed grave concern over the government’s tendency to bypass local councils in decision-making, accusing the administration of actively undermining the decentralization system. Council member Hassaan alleged that the government is prioritizing land acquisition for its own interests rather than addressing the island’s developmental needs. He further called on the government to cease the erosion of council authorities and to refocus its efforts on the genuine welfare of the public.
Hassaan Abdulla, Member of the Fulhadhoo Island Council. | Raajje MV
Hassaan Abdullah, a member of the B. Fulhadhoo Island Council, has called on the government to cease its ongoing efforts to undermine the authority of local councils.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program on Friday, Hassaan stated that the President’s claims regarding projects being stalled due to a lack of cooperation from local councils are factually incorrect.
Hassaan stated that the government fails to engage in adequate consultation with local councils when making key decisions. He further noted that the recent amendment to the Decentralization Act was not a change supported by the council.
A member of the Fulhadhoo Council stated that the council’s original request was for the construction of an accommodation block to house doctors and nurses stationed on the island. However, the council member noted that the government instead proposed the allocation of a 15,000-square-foot plot of land to build an accommodation block specifically for visiting high-level government officials.
However, Hassaan noted that this is not the council's preferred approach. He emphasized that the council is instead keen on implementing projects that will bring direct development to both the council and the island.
Hassaan stated that efforts to undermine the authority of councils are unacceptable. He further noted that the councils faced various challenges following the dissolution of atoll councils.
Local councils have previously emphasized the importance of the government seeking their input when making decisions that directly impact their operations and mandates.
Local councils have repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding the government's ongoing efforts to undermine the decentralization system.
