Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the Maldives Institute of Local Governance is ready to begin training.
In a statement released on Decentralisation Day, Minister Imran said the Local Government Authority (LGA) has commenced efforts to empower local councils as per the Decentralisation Act. Minister Imran, who is the President of LGA, said the institute of local governance aims to conduct training programmes for local councils. He also said LGA will introduce a mobile application to make it easier for citizens to receive council services.
Furthermore, Minister Imran said the five-year development plans are being formulated by the councils with input from the citizens and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and that LGA is assisting councils that need help in formulating the plans. He noted that land-use plans are yet to be formulated for 43 islands and that LGA will provide financial assistance for councils to formulate their plans in accordance with the laws and regulations.
The home minister said one of the most important outcomes from the Decentralisation Act is the increase in the involvement of women in local governance. As such, he highlighted that the Decentralisation Act increased the number of female local councillors from 39 to 388. He added the women's development committees (WDCs) are elected with votes from the whole local community.