An amendment has been proposed to a bill seeking to grant the government authority to take over council-managed lands, stipulating that the government must consult with residents before making any changes to a jurisdiction's boundaries or resources.
The amendment to the bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was submitted by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo).
The proposed amendment states that if the government intends to modify or remove any part of a city or island’s jurisdiction, or any resource belonging to a local council, it may only do so after formal consultation with the respective council.
The amendment further mandates the Local Government Authority (LGA) to formulate and publish regulations outlining the procedures for such actions and the stages of consultation between the government and local or city councils.
Additionally, the amendment requires the government to hold a public meeting to seek the views of the residents of the affected island or city before any changes to its jurisdiction are implemented.
Furthermore, the amendment stipulates that if the government wishes to alter a jurisdiction or resource, the government must compile and publish a detailed written statement explaining the reasons for the change and how the decision serves the public interest.
The bill proposed by MP Hannan, which allows the government to remove council-managed lands from local jurisdictions, was accepted by Parliament yesterday. Although Hannan is an independent member, he aligns with the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
The bill was accepted for consideration with 55 votes in favour, while eight members voted against it.
The bill specifies that if the Cabinet decides to remove a land or site within a council's jurisdiction for the purpose of carrying out government projects, that property will be removed from the council's ownership. Such areas would then fall under the full authority of the state.
Similarly, the bill mandates that land must be handed over to the government if requested for a development project, even before the island’s development plan has been finalized.
Further changes proposed to the Decentralization Act target the code of conduct for council members. These additions would compel councillors to provide full cooperation to the government.
Additionally, the proposal includes provisions stating that councillors must not act in a manner that obstructs government projects without a valid reason, nor should they pass resolutions intended to halt such projects.
While the bill has been accepted by Parliament, a public petition against the legislation was launched yesterday. The petition calls for the bill's withdrawal, arguing that it contradicts the spirit of the Decentralization Act.
