The Local Government Ministry has launched the recruitment of more than 500 employees for public works ahead of the upcoming local council elections.

Local Government Minister Adam Shareef told Public Service Media (PSM)'s Raajje Miadhu program that 19 units will be established in 15 atolls and 550 or 520 employees will be recruited before February.

"Our hope is that by February at the latest, all 19 units will be established and the necessary facilities will be available. Now we estimate that these units will create about 550 to 520 new jobs," Shareef said.

Adam Shareef said the ministry is working to expand public works to the atolls under the guidance of President Mohamed Muizzu.

A total of 26 units will be established, along with the existing seven units, by the end of February, he said.

"The expansion of the service is also a high priority of the President and we have been instructed to set up 19 public works units in 15 atolls. Currently we have seven units," he said.

"So if 19 more sites are established with the seven sites, we will have 26 public works units in different parts of the country."

Adam Shareef added that mobile units would be installed in the north and south of the country to solve the problems with environmental changes after the development of harbors.

The public works units will improve living standards in different parts of the country, he said, adding that the units will expand municipal and public works services in the country.

The government is creating various jobs to coincide with the council elections. In addition, the government has recently dissolved the Hirimaradhoo island council to influence the election and the people of the island will now vote for the Hanimaadhoo island council in the upcoming polls.