Politically motivated decision making is hindering effective decentralisation in the Maldives, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar said Wednesday, describing it as a major challenge.
Speaking at the opening of a workshop on strengthening the decentralisation system in the Maldives, Minister Adam Shareef said the Ministry is working with the aim of empowering administrative areas, developing islands and its people as enshrined in the constitution.
Despite 15 years since the introduction of decentralisation in the country, the system is still facing numerous challenges, he said.
Minister Adam Shareef said local councils need more financial empowerment while the councils also need to put in more effort to bridge the divide between the people and ensure public trust.
However, he said politically motivated decision making remains the biggest challenge to achieving this goal.
"We’re still seeing politically motivated decision making. It is far less than what it was at the beginning. I am pleased to say that it is much better than it was before. However, we still need to understand that we are a part of this system serving the people. We are mediators between the people and the policies of the central government,” the Minister explained.
Minister Adam Shareef also hailed the great strides this Administration has made in realising the hopes and aspirations of the people in the decentralised system of governance.
He described the establishment of close and cordial collaboration with local councils as the best step taken by this Administration to strengthen the decentralised system.