Maafushi Joins Local Councils Association

The island council of Kaafu Maafushi, renowned as a pioneer in local tourism, has become the latest member of the Maldives Local Council’s Association (MLCA).

Maafushi’s decision to join the association was formalised through a council resolution passed on 25th September, according to a statement from the MLCA. The move follows Shaviyani Maroshi’s membership in the organisation last month.

advertisement

Since its inaugural meeting in Baa Atoll’s Kamadhoo in July, the MLCA has experienced a steady growth in membership, with various island, atoll, and city councils joining its ranks. The association aims to serve as a collaborative platform for councils, enabling them to address shared challenges and enhance their operational capacities.

The association has already begun organising to advance common causes, most notably in relation to controversial legislation that consolidates powers of land use planning and development of urban centers to the central government. 

Last month, the organisation also partnered with a coalition of NGOs to express opposition to proposed constitutional amendments that granted the president sole authority to formulate national development plans. Previously, the responsibility for developing local island development plans rested with island or city councils, which undertook the process in consultation with local residents.