MDP says LGA unable to show how abolishing atoll councils will cut costs

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said the Local Government Authority (LGA) was unable to explain how abolishing atoll councils would reduce government expenditure.

The MDP's Decentralisation Committee met senior officials of the LGA on Thursday to discuss the party's concerns over recent changes to the decentralisation system.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, committee chair Ali Niyaz said the discussion focused on the dissolution of atoll councils and the LGA's role in the decision.

According to Niyaz, the MDP sought clarification on whether the LGA had provided technical advice to the government supporting the abolition of atoll councils.

He said LGA Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal expressed support for the policy, while technical staff stated they did not support the move and confirmed that the authority had not submitted technical advice recommending it.

Niyaz said this indicated the decision was a government policy implemented after legislative amendments rather than a recommendation from the LGA.

"What has become clear is that this was a policy-driven change pushed through the People's Majlis by the government. Following that change, they are simply implementing it," Niyaz said.

He added that the LGA's technical officers did not consider the change to be an improvement to the decentralisation system.

The government has previously said the abolition of atoll councils would reduce expenditure. However, Niyaz said the amended law instead requires the LGA to establish branch offices in the atolls, meaning costs would continue.

"This was not done with cost reduction in mind. Under the amended law, there is now an expanded mandate requiring the LGA to establish branch offices in the atolls. Therefore, costs are not being reduced. Nothing in their explanations indicates that this was a cost-saving measure, nor could they present any evidence or justification to show that expenditure would decrease," he said.

Niyaz also called for greater transparency in the LGA's decision-making process.

He referred to the authority's recent decision to allocate land in Faafu Atoll to the F. Nilandhoo Island Council, saying residents of other islands had raised concerns over the decision and its justification.

Niyaz alleged that the decision had been influenced by political considerations, noting that the Member of Parliament for the Nilandhoo constituency is Fatimath Saudha, the sister of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

He said the MDP had requested that future LGA discussions on matters of public interest be broadcast live.