LGA staff to shift under civil service

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved an amendment to the Decentralization of Administrations Act to transfer employees of the Local Government Authority (LGA) into the civil service.

The amendment, sponsored by North Fuvahmulah MP Hamad Abdulla, was passed with a vote of 59–10. According to the government, the purpose of the change is to bring LGA staff under civil service employment and to formally include waste management services among the public services provided by local councils.

The parliamentary decentralization committee made several revisions to the bill. Under the amended framework, the Civil Service Commission will appoint and dismiss LGA staff based on the Authority’s recommendations. The CEO will remain responsible for employee matters, while salaries and allowances will be determined by the National Pay Commission.

Another committee amendment revised the rules governing revenue allocation to councils. Under the new provision, if taxes owed to the state, as well as electricity, water, sewerage and waste management charges, are more than six months overdue, the remaining funds will be released to the councils.

The LGA is mandated under the Decentralization Act to oversee the work of local councils.

While the current law grants the LGA board the authority to appoint its employees, the amendment shifts the system to civil service rules.