LGA Chief Dismisses Claims That Decentralisation Act Amendments Will Harm Local Councils

Local Government Authority (LGA) Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal has defended proposed amendments to the Decentralisation Act, asserting that the changes will not hinder the operations of local councils and will instead deliver significant benefits to the public. Speaking on the PSM News programme "Ahaashey Bunaanan," CEO Nimal addressed concerns regarding new provisions that allow the Cabinet to remove land or specific areas from a council's jurisdiction. Under these amendments, the government may reclaim land required for development projects, even before an island or city's physical development plan has been officially approved and implemented. Responding to allegations that these changes strip councils of their authority, Nimal stated that no substantive arguments have been presented to support such claims. He emphasized that the LGA remains committed to ensuring all councils operate within the legal framework, but argued that the current legal shifts are necessary for efficient national development. Nimal contended that the ability of the central government to acquire land is a measure to ensure maximum public utility. Drawing from his visits to various islands, he suggested that local councils have not always managed land allocation effectively. He claimed that prime locations have often been distributed in ways that do not serve the broader community, while essential projects struggle to secure necessary space. "If an independent evaluation were carried out, it would show that land in very prime locations has been allocated in ways that do not benefit the public," Nimal stated, adding that the public ultimately suffers when development projects are stalled regardless of which administration is in power. Addressing further concerns over council recruitment, Nimal also clarified new requirements for councils to notify the LGA when hiring staff. He rejected the notion that this is a move toward centralisation, describing the procedure as a protective measure intended to safeguard councils from potential administrative harm. Throughout the discussion, the CEO maintained that the amendments do not force councils to "close their doors" but rather streamline the process of implementing critical infrastructure and services across the Maldives.