Maldives establishes government service centers across 18 atolls

President Mohamed Muizzu has established government service centers across 18 atolls in the Maldives to facilitate public access to services provided by national institutions. The centers were created using executive powers granted under Article 116 (a) of the Constitution and will operate under the management of the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labor and Technology.

The centers are intended to provide integrated services in accordance with the Decentralization Act. They cover all administrative atolls with the exception of Addu City and Fuvahmulah City. The 18 locations include Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyani, Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu, and Gaafu Dhaalu.

This move follows changes to the country’s decentralized governance structure, including the abolition of atoll councils. While the new service centers will fall under the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, planned atoll offices will be managed by the Local Government Authority.