Mayor Azim Says Decentralization Is Essential for Maldives’ Development

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that, given the Maldives' unique geographical formation, the nation can only be developed through a decentralized system that empowers local councils.

Speaking at a public forum, Mayor Azim highlighted that island councils are currently forced to travel to Male' simply to obtain progress updates on local projects. Mayor Azim asserted that this is not how administrative processes should function.

Mayor Azim questioned the government's capacity to manage major development projects, noting that the administration is currently preoccupied with minor tasks such as constructing fish markets and cutting down trees.

I believe that this nation can only be developed through a decentralized system; there is no other way. For thousands of years, this country remained underdeveloped because we failed to establish the right framework. It was only after the introduction of decentralization that the nation began to progress at a rapid pace. Now, there are attempts to dismantle this progress and revert to an archaic system—one where citizens must plead with a central leader to develop their harbors, schools, or roads. This is an attempt to reintroduce a system of subjugation.

Adam Azim

Furthermore, Mayor Azim stated that the government’s decision to amend the Decentralization Act and unlawfully seize numerous council-owned lands comes at a time when the Male' City Council has finalized a long-term development plan for the city and is preparing for its implementation.

Mayor Azim stated that the government's sudden seizure of several land plots from the Male' City Council is projected to slash the council's estimated revenue for 2027 by approximately 80 percent. He further noted that such government policies are creating significant obstacles, hindering the council's ability to fulfill its statutory obligations.