Malé City Council land being used illegally by MPL: Mayor

Malé City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that the Malé Domestic Harbor is legally under the ownership of the Malé City Council and is currently being utilized unlawfully by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

Speaking at a press conference held to introduce the newly launched Malé City Land Information System, Mayor Azim highlighted the Council’s strategic focus on maximizing the value of its land assets as a key revenue stream. However, he noted that despite these efforts, significant sums owed to the Council for the use of its land remain unpaid.

As a prominent example, Azim pointed to the Domestic Harbor, currently operated by MPL, asserting that its use contravenes established laws and regulations. He further stated that MPL's control over the T-Jetty and North Harbor areas is also in violation of the legal framework governing public land.

Azim referenced past acknowledgements by former Mayor and current President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who, during his tenure at the City Council, had affirmed that these key locations fall within the jurisdiction of the council and had even taken steps to reclaim them. The Mayor emphasized that the responsibility now lies with Muizzu to ensure the return of these properties to the council, asserting that genuine commitment from the president would see this process carried out swiftly.

Azim stressed that the income and benefits derived from land within Malé City must be returned to its residents, not redirected through the operations of state-owned companies. He underscored that MPL, as a separate commercial entity with its own capital, should operate based on revenue generated from its investments, not by leveraging assets that belong to the City Council.

The dispute underscores a broader call from the council for proper regulation and oversight in the use of municipal land, particularly where state enterprises are concerned.