Voice of Maldives Islands

Aren’t you surprised at people who are surprised by the very predictable results of elections in the Maldives? Think of an island. In practice, do they have permission to carry out any activity mentioned in decentralization law to maintain or develop their island?   The central government in Male’, is one and only way through which provision of even basic services necessary for humans to survive in an island, is allowed. Islands can’t even dump their garbage, provide water, electricity, even housing plots, without the direct approval of central government.    The island councils elected by the people, have been reduced to the role of a messenger to beg and plead, to central government , on behalf of people, thanks to the Local Government Authority given the task of empowering them! In Maldives everything works backwards or just the opposite of what is written because Maldives is where even good theories on governance or anything else, comes to die!...

  9. Services Rendered by the Atoll Councils The atoll council shall provide the following services to the people of the islands within the administrative divisions in accordance with the powers and responsibilities stipulated in Article 8 of this Act. The government shall make financial and other facilities available within a reasonable time frame required to provide the services identified: (a) Provide the services that have to be rendered to more than one island in the administrative division, and undertake tasks that have been mandated to the council under various statutes; (b) Among the various public services rendered by the Government ministries and offices, provide those services that are required to be delivered in the administrative division through the atoll councils; (c) Provide assistance and cooperation required by the state institutions and Government offices established in the administrative division; (d) Establish and maintain a regi...

More than a decade ago Government made announcements regarding development of Hulhumale’ and Laamu atoll . At that time Hulhumale is yet to be formed by land reclamation while Laam atoll has more than 600 hectors of readily available land to offer, without spending a single cent. Since the projects are similar in nature, one would expect similar approaches towards its implementation.   However here’s how it went…..  The announcement of Hulhumale’ project, came with quick action points that made it a success; Monetary commitment : Committing 30 million dollar or 384 million rufiyaa to land reclamation alone. By 2007 government was getting ready to arrange funding of 700 million dollars (8 billion ruffiya for the 2nd phase of the project!!  Corporatizing development : Formation of Hulhumale’ Development Corporation   Availability of basic services as in Male’ : transport , piped water, sanitation, electricity, …. Facilitating commercial use of la...