President Proposes Cost-Effective Reforms for Councils Without Reducing Councillor Numbers

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has proposed ways to reduce the cost of local councils without reducing the number of councillors.

Addressing residents of Fiyoari, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, as part of his ongoing visit to the Atoll, the President noted that he had previously shared ideas on changes to bring to reduce council costs, proposing to reduce the number of councillors, a suggestion that raised concerns about reduced citizen participation.

In his remarks, the President said council expenditures could be reduced while simultaneously addressing this concern. He suggested arranging the position of President and Vice President of councils as salaried full-time roles, with allowances paid to the remaining members for each meeting they attend. This, he said, would be a cost-effective strategy.

The President said the same arrangement could be adopted by Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) as well as City Councils. He explained that this is the practice in many developed countries, and that the arrangement facilitates funding for development project in cities and islands.

Emphasising the importance of public consultation on such matters, the President invited the public to express their opinions on his suggestions.