The Maldives Local Council Association (MLCA) has urged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the Urban Development Bill which limits the powers given to councils.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MLCA, Noonu Atoll Council President Mohamed Basheer said the minister and MPs were not well-informed about the details of the bill. He called on the President not to ratify the bill and hold more consultations.
"We, the association, are calling on the President not to ratify the Urban Development Bill and to hold consultations on the bill. In reality, even the ministers and MPs do not know what is going on in this bill," Basheer said.
Basheer added that councils had barely been able to function properly with new powers given through an amendment in 2019. However, the bill would restrict those powers and prevent the implementation of land use plans prepared by councils, he said.
Officials from the MLCA who spoke at the press conference said the bill removes the need for atoll councils. They said that many of the powers given to councils will be transferred to a government authority and the voice of the people will be silenced if the bill is ratified.
The Urban Development Bill was passed by Parliament on August 22. The bill was proposed by pro-government MP Ibrahim Didi. It was passed with the votes of 67 out of 79 MPs who were in attendance. Ten MPs voted against the bill.
