Govt demands councils cut spending to support austerity measures

The government on Wednesday, has demanded council bodies to cut their spending to support the state's recently announced cost-cutting efforts.

The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar had sent letters to all council bodies urging the authorities not to spend on sports tournaments, transportation, and ceremonies.

In his letter, the minister said highlighted state's ongoing cost-cutting efforts in light of recent economic plight and mounting state debt, and urged council bodies to support this by prioritizing cost cuts, with the exception of necessary spending.

The minister urged against making trips abroad unless necessary, and halt any planned sports tournaments and events. He further recommended holding meetings online instead of traveling to Male' City.

Shareef had thanked the council bodies for their cooperation.

To address the recent economical regress, the government recently announced a string of austerity measures aimed at reducing the state's expenditure, which included a cancellation of all celebratory activities planned for this year's Maldives Independence Day as well.