Government to take over several services provided by Mal

The President has today decided to transfer a number of responsibilities from Malé City Council to the relevant government ministries.

The President made this decision following the advice from members of the cabinet at today’s cabinet meeting.

The President’s Office did not indicate which responsibilities are to be transferred.

Several cabinet members noted that some Councils fail to carry out the duties assigned to them under the Decentralisation Act, and said that this change would facilitate better administration of public service.

This decision was made also to improve public services during Ramadan and in the future, as article 115 of the Constitution stipulates that the responsibility to ensure provision of public services lies with the President.

Further, members of the cabinet underlined that every local council should put aside political differences and provide public services to the people equally, as stated by the Decentralisation Act.

Malé City Council, which has earlier refused to recognise the current government, has not yet responded to this decision by the government.