Councils to receive 5% of the block grant as stipulated by law when this year's budget is passed: The President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that councils will receive 5% of the block grant as stipulated by law when this year's budget is passed.

President Dr Muizzu made this statement whilst speaking at today's opening ceremony of the Pet Care Facility.

In his speech, the President highlighted the Government's efforts to empower councils and strengthen council administration. He noted that the Government has decided to facilitate councils' access to uninhabited islands to increase their revenue and allocate a certain percentage of local tourism tax to councils.

Continuing along these lines, the President stated that in addition to the 5% block grant, he will recommend amendments to the law to ensure councils receive a certain percentage of local tourism tax. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing in the Cabinet about transferring several pending legal responsibilities to councils within the next week or fortnight.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that his Administration is not merely making promises, but actively demonstrating its commitment to empowering councils through the decentralisation system by taking concrete actions. He added that the "Olhu Hiya" (Pet Care Facility) being opened today is a result of this effort.