Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mohamed Mabrook Azeez has assured that the government will not breach the principles of the Decentralisation Act by overriding the authority of local councils within their jurisdiction. The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a question by the press on rumours that the island of Dhapparu, Haa Alifu Atoll was removed from the jurisdiction of the Filladhoo island council without conducting any discussions with the council.
Speaking at the press conference held on September 1, Spokesperson Mabrook said Dhapparu had been marked for the development of a new product in real estate tourism. Noting islands developed as resorts are leased to foreign investors on a long-term basis, the spokesperson said discussions are being held regularly with the Filladhoo island council on decisions made regarding Dhapparu. He added the government will not breach the principles of the Decentralisation Act by asserting any undue authority on local councils.
Dhapparu had initially been leased for resort development in 2010, but no work had been carried out in the island. During March 2020, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih included Dhapparu in the area of jurisdiction of the Filladhoo island council. However, the government subsequently removed Dhapparu from the jurisdiction of Filladhoo.