Transformation is the KEY!

Addu City Council and the Promise of Decentralization: Power to the People, or Just Paperwork?

I’ve always believed that Addu City should be run by its people, for its people. We know our challenges. We know our dreams. And we deserve the power to shape our own future. That’s the heart of decentralization—bringing decision-making closer to the community and giving local councils like ours the authority to lead change.

But let’s be honest. Despite the decentralization laws in place, Addu City Council still faces serious obstacles. Bureaucracy, limited capacity, outdated systems, and political interference all hold us back from delivering the kind of services our community deserves.

To truly make decentralization work for Addu, we must transform how the Council and the Secretariat operate. That means building a culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and smart use of technology. It means reimagining public service—not as red tape, but as a tool to create a productive, resilient, and livable Addu City.

Some have suggested shifting responsibilities to state-owned enterprises like RDC, ADC, GIA, or MITDC. But here’s the concern: those organizations operate with a corporate mindset. Their goals are driven by profit margins and short-term returns. That’s not a criticism—it’s just how the corporate world works. But community development can’t be measured in dollars alone.

Do we really want Addu’s future shaped by cost-cutting boards and profit-driven CEOs? Or should it be guided by people who understand the pulse of this city?

The better path forward is to strengthen the City Council—not sidestep it. We need a well-planned transformation that improves how the Council functions day-to-day. This won’t be easy. Our councillors and Secretariat staff are already working under pressure, being asked to stretch further, move faster, and deal with both national and global challenges.

It’s hard to think long-term when today’s problems feel urgent. But that’s exactly why we must invest in the people who serve Addu. Train them. Empower them. Equip them with the skills and tools they need. Build teams that can lead with confidence and vision.

Now, with updates to the Decentralization Act, there’s hope. But also concern. Behind the scenes, politics often takes centre stage. And there’s still limited public understanding of how decentralization and parliamentary decisions actually affect daily life in Addu. Too few people are talking about the most important piece of the puzzle: human capital.

If we don’t upskill our workforce, bring in fresh talent, and break down silos in our local administration, no law—no matter how well written—will bring real change.

The future of Addu doesn’t belong in boardrooms or budgets. It belongs to the people. Real decentralization means empowering local voices, building trust in local institutions, and making sure Addu City Council has the capacity—and the courage—to lead.

If we get this right, Addu can become a model for the rest of the country. A city that proves when you give power to the people—and invest in their potential—great things can happen.