Laamu Atoll, Maldives – Local Government Authority (LGA) hosted its fourth ‘Fanoalla Dharubaaru’ meeting with several island, atoll and city councils yesterday.
The conference was held in the largest island of the Maldives, Laamu Gan, with the participation of Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu island and atoll council Presidents as well as Fuvahmulah and Addu City Council’s Mayors and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Presidents of all the islands.
Fanoalla Dharubaaru is an initiative of the LGA, created in collaboration with International Republican Institute and USAID, as a mechanism for local councils to address key issues faced by them in being less dependent on the central government and more decentralised.
Speaking with local media, CEO of LGA Afshan Latheef said that the objective of the conference is to evaluate existing decentralisation policies, and pave the opportunity to review the existing structures and find avenues for improvement. She also revealed that many issues faced by the councils were discussed during the past three conferences as well.
“The aim is to discuss grievances and concerns of the councils with the assistance of technical experts, and to forward solutions proposed following the discussions to the ‘Viyavathi Conference’, the conference within the President’s Cabinet,” Afshan said.
The first two conferences were held online due to Covid-19 during March and August of 2021. However, the third conference was held last May in Alif Alif Ukulhas. Each conference is also attended by technical experts from respective Ministries.
Focus areas of the ongoing conference are:
- Revision of the fiscal formula used to provide funds to councils
- Land use plan
- Establishing sustainable communities
Discussions of the Fanoalla conference will conclude today, and the findings and proposals will be swiftly passed over to the third Viyavathi Conference to be commence today. The Viyavathi Conference will be held from 10th to 12th September.
