The Parliamentary Decentralization Committee has approved a significant amendment to the Decentralization Act, granting the Cabinet the authority to reclaim lands currently under local council jurisdiction.

The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakru, was passed with a crucial addition proposed by North Henveiru MP Ahmed Aifan. This provision stipulates that the Ministry of Finance must provide adequate financial compensation if the state reclaims land where a local council or a third party has already made an investment.

Despite passing the committee stage, the bill faced opposition from three members: Mauroof Zakir of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Niushad, and independent member Abdulla Rahman. Proponents of the bill state that the primary objective is to streamline land acquisition for government projects and ensure a legal framework for council cooperation to expedite development.

Under the new amendment, once the Cabinet decides to remove a land plot from a council’s jurisdiction and notifies the relevant authorities, the state will assume full control. Furthermore, councils will be mandated to release land for state projects regardless of whether a physical development plan for the island or city has been finalized. The bill also prohibits councils from making decisions that obstruct government development projects without valid grounds.