Male' City Council decides to collaborate with other local councils to protest a proposed bill that would allow government to reclaim lands currently under council jurisdiction

Male' City Council has decided to join forces with other local councils and political parties to protest a proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act. The amendment would grant the government the authority to remove lands and sites from the jurisdiction of island or city councils to facilitate national development projects.

During the 12th official meeting of the Male' City Council's fifth term held on Wednesday, Fathimath Zahiyya, the Councilor for the North Hulhumale' constituency, voiced grave concerns over a proposed legal amendment that would allow ministers to reclaim land under council jurisdiction at their discretion without any consultation. Describing the move as the beginning of a dangerous precedent, she called on other local councils and political parties to unite in protest against the bill.

This is an attempt to strip councils of their authority and obstruct them from functioning. We must stand against this within the legal framework.

Fathimath Zahiyya

Furthermore, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim commented on the proposal, stating that the MDP is a champion of decentralization. He emphasized that the Male' City Council remains committed to collaborating with all political parties to achieve these objectives.

The proposal was passed with 15 votes in favor from the 16 councilors present at the meeting.