Action will be taken against Councils which fail to follow rules: LGA

Local Government Authority (LGA) has said that action will be taken against Councils which fail to follow rules and regulations.

LGA board member Ahmed Faisal said in a press conference held at LGA office today that the LGA board had passed a policy on how to handle cases relating to decisions made by Councils which are not within the limits of the law.

“We will apply these policies especially to complaints received regarding Councils. The aim of a Council should be to work according to rules and regulations. Actions according to this system enforced today will be taken against Councils which fail to do so,” Faisal said.

He said that Councils which fail to follow rules have been noted, and complaints have also been received regarding these Councils. No action has been taken against them so far because LGA’s procedure rules had not been passed, but as this had been passed today, the issues will be investigated and cases will be filed to court when necessary.

“If any Council acts in conflict with rules and regulations, they will be informed in writing to cease that practice. If they continue, we will approach them again. We will meet with the Council President, Vice President or Members to inquire about issues in need of clarification. We will obtain statements from them when necessary. If they continue to act against rules after being advised on three occasions, they will be issued a warning of legal actions against them. The fourth step would be to take them to court,” Faisal said.

LGA said that its aim is not to take action against Councils, but rather to rectify any unlawful practices by Councils. Failure by a Council to rectify their actions would result in a case being filed to court to abolish the Council.

Referring to the resolution passed by Male’ City Council indicating that they do not recognise the new government, Faisal pointed out that this is not legal. As Maldives is a unitary state, Councils should cooperate with the government regardless of who is in power.