Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif has criticized the government following the suspension of transport services in the city due to the dissolution of the Atoll Council.
In a notice issued yesterday, the Kulhudhuffushi branch of the Local Government Authority (LGA) stated that transport services previously provided by the office have been discontinued following amendments to the Decentralization Act.
Athif stated that no alternative arrangements have been made to provide services previously managed by the Atoll Council, adding that the public is bearing the brunt of the government's flawed policies.
"Due to this government's narrow-mindedness and flawed policies, the citizens are the ones suffering. When the Atoll Councils were dissolved, there was no alternative mechanism put in place to continue the services they provided," Athif said.
The Mayor further noted that no decision has been made regarding businesses established to generate revenue for the atoll fund, and alleged that funds and assets held in the name of the atoll's residents were seized without their consent.
Additionally, Athif remarked that the government lacks a clear vision for organizing atoll administration, effectively destroying the only platform available for islands to consult and collaborate.
Emphasizing the need for a platform to work towards the progress of atoll residents, Athif stated that he intends to consult with island leaders in the coming days to find a viable system to achieve this.
The dissolution of Atoll Councils was passed by Parliament and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu late last year. As a result, no atoll councilors were elected in this year’s council elections, marking the end of the Atoll Council's final term. Local councils are now required to report directly to the Local Government Authority (LGA).
