President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is to restore powers and responsibilities of local councils.

President Solih made the announcement while addressing the people of Dhiffushi Island on Saturday, having traveled there to initiate the water and sewerage services in the island.

Speaking at the function, the president emphasized that his aim is to “facilitate the local councils to develop the country as part of decentralized governance”.

He stated that an amendment to the Decentralization Act will be submitted to parliament “in the coming month”, adding that powers will be restored to Malé, Addu and Fuvahmulah City councils next week.

President Solih stated that the purpose of this is to “to empower the councils and provide the true island life for the people”.

While former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration had restricted the powers and responsibilities of councils, restoring it is a campaign pledge of the incumbent president.

It is also part of the 161 pledges included in his agenda for the first 100 days of his administration.