The new administration has embarked on a decentralization and regionalization process to strengthen good governance and local democracy. The process will see a significant portion of administrative authority devolved to seven regions. It is envisioned that, in contrast to the highly centralized system that existed previously, many local-level economic and development related decisions will be taken at the regional level. This will lead to more efficient and equitable service delivery, in line with the needs of local people.
The decentralized administrative setup is already completed in two regions: The Upper North (consisting of the northern-most three atolls) and the South Region (the two southern-most atolls). They will soon be replicated in a further five areas. One island in each region will be the administrative centre of the atoll, with another island as the regional economic hub. The decentralization policy aims to reduce economic disparities between Male’ and the outer atolls and represents a new and exciting opportunity for enterprise and economic development.
The government’s regional development plan will use the private sector to provide many local services. The government wishes to create Joint-Ventures (JV) with international strategic partners in areas such as:- Real Estate
- Integrated Transport Systems
- Utilities (Electricity, Water and Sewerage)
The government will consider negotiating with interested parties on incentives and parallel investment opportunities together with these specific core products. These incentives include commercial developments in existing urban centres and exclusive rights to market products.
