The Maldives government has signed an agreement with Malaysia’s Hextar Global Sdn. Bhd. to construct 55 council secretariats on various islands. The initiative addresses a key pledge by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to resolve space and resource limitations faced by local councils.
The contract-signing ceremony took place under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Fathmath Muna and Hextar Maldives Managing Director Ali Shareef representing Hextar Global. Minister Adam Shareef Umar and other government officials were also present at the event.
In announcing the project, the Ministry explained that 102 local councils had applied for reconstruction assistance. Out of these, 55 were deemed eligible for the first phase, with Hextar Global responsible for completing the buildings within two years and six months. Once built, these secretariats are expected to offer sufficient space and improved accessibility for councilors and administrative staff.
The initiative follows President Muizzu’s earlier promise to simultaneously rebuild 50 island council offices. During his visit to Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll last February, the President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling the severe space and resource issues plaguing council offices throughout the Maldives.
While Hextar is handling construction for 55 councils, the government also plans to rebuild another 50 council buildings with assistance from China. Overall, 187 island councils have been identified as suffering from significant shortages of space and resources. Officials say the government’s ultimate goal is to reconstruct all deteriorating council buildings during its current term.
