A petition has been launched against a bill submitted to the People’s Majlis that seeks to amend the Decentralization Act, granting the government the authority to seize land and properties from the jurisdiction of island and city councils at its discretion for development projects.
The bill was introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. Although an independent member, he aligns with the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
Under the proposed amendments, the Cabinet would have the power to decide on the removal of land or property from a council’s jurisdiction for government projects. Such assets would then fall under the full authority of the state.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that councils must hand over land requested by the government for development projects even before the island’s development plan has been officially approved.
The proposed changes also target the code of conduct for council members, introducing provisions that would legally compel councilors to cooperate fully with the government.
Additionally, the amendments propose that councilors must not act in a manner that obstructs government projects without a valid reason, nor should they pass resolutions intended to halt such initiatives.
The petition calls for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, arguing that it contradicts the fundamental spirit of decentralization.
While these changes aim to increase central government control over local councils, previous amendments to the Decentralization Act have already paved the way for such measures.
Amendments passed last year allow the government to proceed with projects with the approval of the Local Government Authority (LGA) if a council refuses to grant the necessary permits.
The move to further amend the Decentralization Act comes amid reports of friction between the government and local authorities over land allocation. Many of these disputes involve land under the jurisdiction of the Addu City Council.
