Councillor concerned over unauthorised land allocations by Azim

Galolhu North Councillor Mohamed Saif has raised concerns over the continued allocation of land in Malé by Mayor Adam Azim without the consent of the Malé City Council.

According to Saif, Azim has been leasing public land at low prices for extended periods without council approval. Saif stated that he has been requesting information regarding these leases since September last year, but the requested details have not been provided.

In a letter sent to the mayor on Sunday, Saif reiterated his request for information on land leased on both short- and long-term bases. He referred to a meeting held by the Council’s Vital Statistics and Digitisation Committee in September last year, during which a decision was made to obtain such information.

Despite multiple requests since then, Saif said no data had been shared. The letter notes that the matter was raised at three formal council meetings. At each meeting, the response was that the list was being compiled.

Saif’s letter emphasised that streets, parks, public spaces, squares, and sports grounds are public property and that the council is responsible for ensuring these spaces serve the public interest. It noted that any leasing or development of such land should be conducted with the knowledge and consent of the council.

Saif alleged that a small committee appointed by the mayor was leasing land without full council approval. He also highlighted that the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Local Government Authority, and the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation had previously raised concerns about similar actions in 2021 and 2022. However, he said no effective measures had been taken in response.

The letter states that any leasing or development of city land must be presented to the council and approved by a majority of members. It accused the mayor of disregarding this process.

“You are leaving the city’s land at cheap prices for a long time,” the letter reads. “The list of allocated land, rules, terms, rent, and the identity of companies or individuals involved is not public and is not being shared with councillors.”

The letter also noted that even if contracts had been signed, such actions should not go against the interests of the state and public. It claimed that Azim had served as mayor for 553 days without making the land register public, as required by law.

In conclusion, Saif requested the mayor to provide a complete list of council-owned land, including its size, current use, and details of any lease arrangements, including lessees and rent amounts.