Parliament Approves Bill Allowing Government to Seize Council Land for Development

The Maldivian Parliament has accepted a controversial amendment to the Decentralisation Act that empowers the central government to take control of land managed by local councils to facilitate development projects. Submitted as a private member’s bill by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the proposed changes aim to streamline the implementation of state projects by reducing bureaucratic hurdles at the local level. According to MP Abdul Hannan, the amendment is designed to ensure councils cooperate fully within a legal framework, thereby accelerating the delivery of essential infrastructure and state services. Under the proposed provisions, the Cabinet would hold the authority to decide when land or premises under a council's jurisdiction must be transferred to the central government. Crucially, the bill specifies that the government can take over these areas even if the physical development plan for the respective island or city has not yet been approved or implemented. Beyond land acquisition, the amendment mandates that local councils provide full cooperation for projects deemed to be for the collective benefit of the public. It further stipulates that councils must not obstruct such projects or make decisions that could result in work being halted without a valid, justifiable reason. The bill passed the initial acceptance stage with a significant majority, as 55 Members of Parliament voted in favor while eight voted against. This shift in power could fundamentally alter the relationship between the central administration and the decentralized local governance system, potentially limiting the autonomy of island councils over their own territorial assets. Following the vote, the bill has been referred to the Parliament's Decentralisation Committee for a detailed review before it proceeds to further readings and a final vote.