Gov't moves to allow Cabinet to seize lands and properties under local council jurisdiction without prior consultation

An amendment has been proposed to the Decentralization Act to grant the Cabinet the authority to remove land and properties from a council's jurisdiction for the purpose of implementing government development projects.

The bill stipulates that for the implementation of such projects, once the Cabinet decides to remove a specific land or site from a council's jurisdiction and notifies the respective council, that area will be officially excised from the council's authority. Furthermore, the bill states that from that point forward, such land or sites will fall under the full and direct jurisdiction of the State.

According to the amendment, the council's input is no longer required in the matter.

The bill further stipulates that even prior to the approval and implementation of a physical development plan for a island or city, councils must handover the land required for government development projects to the national authority upon request.

The proposed legislative amendments also include provisions to prevent actions or decisions that obstruct or lead to the suspension of government projects intended for the collective benefit of city or island residents, unless there is a valid and justifiable reason.

The stated objective of these amendments is to establish a legal framework that ensures the full cooperation of local councils, thereby facilitating the expedited implementation of government development projects.

The bill was introduced by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the Member of Parliament for the Thulhaadhoo constituency. He serves in the People's Majlis as an independent member.