The Local Government Authority (LGA) today ordered a halt to the formation of a joint board to coordinate development efforts among the islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The decision to establish the board was made last Thursday, spearheaded by the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, with the aim of fostering collaborative regional development across the atoll.
In a letter addressed to the council, the LGA stated that following the government's dissolution of atoll offices, the responsibility for overseeing atoll development lies solely with the LGA. The authority further asserted that local councils do not have the legal mandate to establish independent boards for such purposes.
"This authority does not believe that your council and the other councils of Haa Dhaalu Atoll can legally form a separate board to operate. Furthermore, establishing an independent board comprised of councils within an atoll contradicts the fundamental concept of the amendments made to the Decentralization Act," the letter read.
The LGA has ordered an immediate cessation of all work related to the board's formation and has requested the councils to provide a formal explanation for the decision to create such a body.
"...We instruct you not to proceed with the formation of the proposed board and request that you clarify the legal basis upon which your council and the other councils of Haa Dhaalu Atoll reached the decision to establish this entity," the LGA stated.
Responding to the matter, Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif said they would not back down from efforts aimed at serving the public interest.
"We will not be deterred by such threats. Efforts undertaken for the rights and well-being of the people in this region cannot be stopped," Athif said.
Furthermore, Athif clarified that the purpose of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll councils forming a board was not to usurp the legal responsibilities of the LGA.
"We are not attempting to provide services that fall under the jurisdiction of the Atoll Council or the LGA. Our goal is to identify collaborative opportunities among the islands of this atoll to achieve tangible development results. This initiative would ultimately benefit the entire nation and its citizens," the Mayor added.
