Decentralization Act will ensure significant power to councils: Nasheed

Speaker of Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the Decentralization Act will come into effect within the end of the upcoming month of November and once it does, a significant power will be entrusted to local councils.

Speaking to Thinadhoo residents as part of his ongoing tour across the southernmost atolls to participate in the Southern-atolls' Councilors Conference, the speaker assured the people that work is currently underway at the People’s Majlis to restore the many powers of the local councils, withheld by the previous government of former president Abdulla Yameen.

Some of the powers to be vested to local councils include administrative powers, efficiency in economic opportunities as well as financial abundance, said Nasheed.

Further, all property of islands will be under the power of council once the act comes into effect including plots of land allocated to government offices over which the councils will have authority.

Once the Decentralization Act comes into effect, local councils will have power like never before, said the speaker, who added that the budget will also be allocated after taking the act into consideration.

On Wednesday, Nasheed met with Thinadhoo councilors who shared concerns and issues facing their constituents.

Nasheed is set to launch the one-day conference on Thursday and participate in a few sessions as well.

During his visit, Nasheed will also be laying the stone for the new building of FENAKA Corporation to be constructed on the island

Afterwards, the Speaker will be heading to southernmost Addu and Fuvahmulah Cities.