In a move to enhance local governance infrastructure, the Maldivian government is forging ahead with plans to build council secretariat buildings on islands across six atolls. Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has urged local councils to initiate contractor searches for these projects.
According to Minister Adam Shareef, councils in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa and Dhaalu atolls have been instructed to seek contractors to carry out the construction work. The Utheemu Island Council has already begun the process, earning commendation from the Minister for its swift action.
This push for new council buildings is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the physical infrastructure supporting local governance in the Maldives. In January, the Ministry signed an agreement with Malaysia-based Hextar Global to construct council secretariat buildings on 55 islands. This deal, signed on 20 January, is based on a contractor-finance model that allows the government to maximize the use of available resources for development.
Groundbreaking ceremonies have already taken place on 13 islands across three atolls, signaling the start of construction under this initiative. The administration aims to complete buildings on 105 islands during its current term, replacing outdated structures and tackling long-standing limitations on space and functionality.
Once completed, this project is expected to cover around 70 percent of the government’s target to improve the administrative capacity of councils nationwide, offering a long-awaited boost to the operational effectiveness of island-level governance.
Minister Adam Shareef emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “These new council secretariat buildings will be a game-changer for local governance in the Maldives. By providing modern, functional facilities, we can empower our island communities to better serve their constituents and drive sustainable development.“
The construction of these council secretariat buildings aligns with the government’s broader efforts to decentralize power and strengthen local authorities across the Maldives. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the way island communities engage with their elected representatives and access essential public services.
For more information on the Maldives government’s plans to enhance local governance infrastructure, please visit the official government website.
About the Maldives: The Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique island ecosystems. With a population of over 530,000 people, the Maldives is committed to sustainable development and empowering its local communities through progressive governance initiatives.
