The bill, submitted by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Azim Abdul Azeez on behalf of the government, was passed with a majority vote of 70 members, while 11 opposition members voted against it.
Parliament today passed the Urban Development Bill, establishing a framework to develop urban centers across the country.
The bill, submitted by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Azim Abdul Azeez on behalf of the government, was passed with a majority vote of 70 members, while 11 opposition members voted against it.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works raised concerns during the committee stage, stating that the bill could undermine the decentralization system. Similarly, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the bill, and said it would weaken the constitutional and legal foundations supporting decentralization and significantly limit the powers of local councils.
Local Government Ministry State Minister Mohamed Hashim said that the bill contravenes the principles of decentralization, potentially reducing councils' authority.
"The bill contains many provisions that contravenes with the decentralization system. If passed, councils' powers will be severely restricted," he said.
The bill proposes creating an Urban Development Authority to oversee all urban planning and development. This authority will assume legal and operational responsibilities, along with the property, resources, and employees currently under the Urban Planning and Urban Development Department of the Ministry of Planning.
Concerns have been raised regarding councils losing significant autonomy under the new framework and potential conflicts between the Urban Development Authority and councils.
According to Article 10 of the bill, while urban areas will remain under the jurisdiction of local councils, the Urban Development Authority will have sole authority over planning and development decisions. Councils will oversee only municipal services, with planning and development executed under agreements with the Urban Development Authority.
The authority's jurisdiction will conclude once development projects in the designated area are completed.
However, some members of the special committee reviewing the bill diminishes councils' influence and reduces the Decentralization Act to a secondary law under the new framework.
The designated islands which will be developed as urban centres are:
- Raa atoll Ungoofaaru
- Baa atoll Eydhafushi
- Lhaviyani atoll Naifaru
- Alif Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo
- Faafu atoll Nilandhoo
- Dhaalu atoll Kudahuvadhoo
- Laamu atoll Fonadhoo
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