Decentralization Act is no different from the cow gifted to the poor man of Naalaafushi: MP Ziyad

Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad has stated that there is no difference between the Decentralization Act and the way a cow was gifted to a poor man in Naalaafushi.

Speaking in Parliament on Sunday, MP Ziyad stated that the government is systematically stripping away the powers granted to local communities under the Decentralization Act and is continuing to expand these restrictive measures.

Speaking in Parliament, MP Ziyad stated that while the Maldives has been governed under various systems throughout history, the decentralized system is a power earned through the immense efforts of the people in the atolls. He further emphasized that any attempt to strip the citizens of this right is unacceptable.

MP Ziyad characterized the current state of the Decentralization Act as being akin to the local fable of the cow gifted to the poor man of Naalaafushi.

While this Constitution was in place, the Decentralization Act was enacted, and since then, the PNC has governed under various names leading up to the present day. Honorable Speaker, you were one of the most prominent figures who advocated for securing these powers for the people of the islands. You would recall and understand the hardships faced while living and studying in Male' back then. Similarly, when the Member for Eydhafushi speaks of this as a proud day after stripping away the rights granted to the people of the islands, who could possibly respect us? It is true that some island councils cause difficulties or obstructions. They will. However, every law contains provisions for enforcement in cases of non-compliance, and this one is no different. Just last year, you amended the law to mandate that the LGA would make decisions regarding land. Even in the past, Atoll Chiefs were the ones overseeing the allocation of housing plots in the islands. What is happening today, Honorable Speaker, is that the Decentralization Act has become no different from the proverbial cow gifted to the poor man of Naalaafushi—it exists in name, but offers no real benefit.

Hussain Ziyad

Furthermore, MP Ziyad issued a stern rebuttal to allegations that local councils were obstructing government projects.

MP Ziyad questioned which councils were allegedly obstructing projects such as the Dhidhdhoo Airport, the Addu Bridge, the Kurinbi sewerage system, and the turfing of the Vaikaradhoo football pitch, leading to their delays. He further emphasized that land in these islands has always been open and available for the government's developmental initiatives.

Furthermore, referring to the amendment brought to Article 73 of the Constitution, MP Ziyad stated that the change was intended to subjugate the Parliament and strip local islands of their powers. He also called for the withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act.