LGA Orders Halt to HDh. Atoll Council Collaboration Board Plan as Mayor Arif Vows to Continue

The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed councils in HDh. Atoll to halt efforts to establish a special board aimed at coordinating development initiatives across the atoll, with Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Atif Arif saying he will not back down from the plan.

In a letter sent to the Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, the LGA stated that following the dissolution of atoll councils and the transfer of their responsibilities to the authority, development-related work for the entire administrative constituency falls under the LGA’s mandate.

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The authority said it does not consider it feasible for all councils in HDh. Atoll to establish a separate board to carry out operations. It added that creating and operating through a board comprising councils within an atoll contradicts the amendments made to the Decentralisation Act.

The LGA therefore requested the Kulhudhuffushi City Council and other councils in HDh. Atoll not to proceed with the proposed board. The authority also requested clarification on the legal basis relied upon by the councils in deciding to establish the body.

The initiative to create a joint board involving HDh. Atoll islands was proposed by Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Atif, who had previously met with island council presidents to seek support for the initiative.

Sharing the LGA’s letter on his social media account, Mayor Arif said he was surprised by the authority’s position and criticised the directive.

He said the initiative was not intended to take over responsibilities assigned to atoll councils or the LGA, but was aimed at bringing councils together to collaborate on development efforts that would benefit the islands of the atoll and the wider community.

Arif also questioned the consistency of the LGA’s position, noting that the authority’s council performance evaluation framework includes recognition for councils that work together. He said the directive issued by the LGA contradicts its own policies encouraging cooperation between councils.

The mayor said the councils would not be deterred from continuing efforts carried out for the benefit of residents and that the initiative would move forward.