Northern atolls

Power to the People! President Muizzu Government Empowers Local Councils with Control Over Ferry Stops

The government transferred management of 21 ferry stops in northern atolls to the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. A tripartite agreement was signed between MTCC, the Ministry of Cities, and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation at Villa College. The ferry stops are in Zone 1 of the RTL system (Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani atolls). Local councils will manage these stops and can lease commercial spaces. The RTL project recently expanded to 13 islands in Noonu Atoll, now connecting 81 islands across 9 atolls. Plans extend services to Raa Atoll by June 2025 and Baa Atoll by July 2025. This initiative supports decentralization and local governance.