All municipal services in Hulhumalé have been handed over to the Malé City Council. It has been disclosed that employees transitioning from HDC to the Council will receive allowances for a duration of one year.
An agreement formalizing the transfer of Hulhumalé jurisdiction to the city council, as per the Maldives Decentralization Act, was signed on January 4. The shift of municipal services from HDC to the council is slated to commence on February 1.
Shathufa Shafiu, the media official for the city council, informed Mihaaru that as things stand now, employees will be eligible to retain their allowances and annual bonuses from HDC for one year. She affirmed that, although there hasn't been any alteration to this arrangement yet, the president has provided assurance that these benefits will persist beyond the initial year.
Addressing employees' concerns about potential changes to allowances after the initial year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reassured in a statement on X that the government is committed to maintaining these benefits, and appropriate measures will be taken to uphold them.
I have received concerns from some staff of HDC regarding the shift of municipal services from HDC to MCC. I would like to give full assurance that none of the staff will end up being forced to accept a reduction in salary, insurance, or any other benefits they currently receive,… https://t.co/0apsdWKb1H— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) January 5, 2024
Approximately 600 employees engaged in delivering municipal services at HDC will be relocated to the council, according to Shathufa. However, there are individuals who express a desire to remain HDC employees, so the actual number may undergo changes, the official stated.
The shift of Hulhumalé's municipal services to the council is a commitment made by President Dr. Muizzu.
HDC and the council previously disagreed over the jurisdiction and ownership of Hulhumalé. Amidst the dispute, the PPM-dominated council revoked Hulhumalé's registration in 2021. However, a court ruling later clarified that Hulhumalé is a land that belongs to HDC.