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Parliament has passed new legal changes allowing the government to take back council land for state projects while guaranteeing financial compensation for local investments.
News Desk
MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru pictured during a sitting of the People's Majlis. Photo: Majlis
MALÉ: The People’s Majlis has passed key amendments to the Decentralization Act, granting the Cabinet authority to reclaim land and property from local councils for government development projects.
The bill, submitted by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was passed with 47 members voting in favor while 12 opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members voted against it.
Under the passed legislation, the Cabinet can decide to remove any land or property from a council’s jurisdiction to carry out state projects, regardless of other existing laws. Once notified by the Local Government Authority (LGA), full ownership and legal control of the land immediately transfer to the government.
Key provisions and committee amendments included in the final bill:
Fair Compensation: The government must provide reasonable compensation for any investment made on the land by either the local council or a third-party investor.
Regulation on Compensation: The exact rules and procedures for assessing and paying compensation will be determined under regulations made by the LGA.
Public Notice and Consultation: Before taking over any land, the government must publish details publicly, consult with the affected council, and provide a 14-day period to submit complaints.
Voting Outcome: The bill passed with 47 votes in favor and 12 opposition votes against.
The legislation followed competing petitions submitted to parliament, including an opposition petition calling for its rejection and a counter-petition supporting the government’s development plans.
