In a significant move to bolster local governance and community development, the government has transferred the management of 21 ferry stops in the northern atolls to the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. This strategic decision aims to empower local councils, granting them authority over vital transportation infrastructure and fostering economic growth within their communities.
The official handover ceremony took place at Villa College, where a tripartite agreement was signed between the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Minister Mohamed Ameen of the Transport Ministry presented the official documents to Minister Adam Shareef Umar of the Decentralization Ministry, symbolizing the commencement of a new era in local governance.
Under this agreement, ferry stops located in Zone 1 of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) system—encompassing Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls—will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. These facilities are set to be managed by local councils, providing them with full rights over the ferry stops and the associated land. This includes the authority to lease commercial spaces and adjacent areas, enabling councils to generate revenue and directly benefit from these assets.
The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works emphasized that this initiative offers councils a unique opportunity to oversee and enhance transportation services within their regions. By transferring these assets, the government aims to promote self-sufficiency and encourage localized economic activities, aligning with the broader goals of the decentralization policy.
The RTL project, spearheaded by MTCC, is a nationwide transportation network designed to connect the Maldivian archipelago through high-speed ferry services. Divided into six operational zones, the project has recently expanded its services to 13 inhabited islands in Noonu Atoll. As a result, 81 islands across nine atolls are now interconnected via the RTL ferry system. The government has announced plans to extend this service to Raa and Baa atolls, with operations expected to commence in Raa Atoll by June 2025 and in Baa Atoll by July 2025.
This expansion is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance inter-island connectivity, thereby facilitating economic development and improving access to essential services for residents across the Maldives. By entrusting local councils with the management of ferry stops, the government reinforces its commitment to decentralization, ensuring that development is both inclusive and reflective of the unique needs of each community.
In summary, the transfer of ferry stop management to local councils marks a pivotal step in the Maldives’ journey toward empowered local governance. This initiative not only decentralizes authority but also paves the way for sustainable community-driven development, setting a precedent for future policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of Maldivian citizens.
