Malé City Mayor Adam Azim has strongly criticized the government, accusing the administration of offering contradictory and confusing statements to avoid transferring municipal services in Hulhumalé to the Malé City Council. Speaking on the matter, the Mayor emphasized that despite persistent public requests and formal council inquiries, the administration has continuously delayed handing over local governance responsibilities for the area.
Malé City Mayor Adam Azim expressed concern over ongoing administrative delays in transferring municipal authority for Hulhumalé to the council.
Azim highlighted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously advocated for transferring Hulhumalé’s municipal functions from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to the Malé City Council during his own term as Mayor, later reiterating the pledge as a core presidential campaign promise. However, Azim noted that while administration officials frequently assert that decisions have been finalized or that the transfer is taking place, HDC continues to manage the services directly while withholding full operational cooperation from the council.
Underlining the legal framework, Mayor Azim stressed that there are no legal barriers under the Decentralization Act preventing the immediate transfer of municipal services. He voiced concern over the protracted delay, maintaining that transferring complete authority—along with the required budgetary allocations, staff, and municipal equipment—is vital for ensuring consistent service delivery for Hulhumalé residents.
The Malé City Council has repeatedly called for the full devolution of municipal duties to establish dedicated teams and proper oversight in Hulhumalé. Mayor Azim urged the government to end confusing rhetoric and promptly execute the transfer to align with decentralized governance principles and better serve the public.
