Parliament oks bill allowing island projects without council approval

Parliament on Thursday passed amendments to the Decentralisation Act, enabling the government to carry out development projects on land or locations under council jurisdiction without seeking council permission.

The Decentralisation Act Bill, which grants the state authority to implement development activity in administrative areas overseen by local councils, was approved by 54 votes.

A parliamentary committee also endorsed a separate government proposal to reduce the number of councillors, passing the amendment with revisions.

Before the final vote, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) tabled additional changes. PNC Member of Parliament for Fonadhoo, Mohamed Mamdhooh, proposed a new clause to Section 3–107(g), permitting government-led projects in an island or constituency “within a reasonable period of time” if the council fails to grant approval.

Mamdhooh’s amendment states that the government may intervene if a council does not authorise work within a timeframe deemed reasonable, without specifying exact limits.

Under the new provision, the government may commence projects in council-administered districts with the permission of the Local Government Authority (LGA), under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.

The amendment also introduces Section 3–107(c), which states that the government has discretion in obtaining permits from councils for development projects undertaken with LGA consent.

PNC MP Abdul Latheef, representing Dhidhdhoo constituency, seconded the motion, which was also backed by PNC Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef. The clause does not define the length of a “reasonable period” or specify locations within council areas where work may proceed without prior consent.

Of 71 MPs present at the sitting, 56 supported the motion. Six MPs voted against it. Three MPs were recorded as voting against during an earlier stage of the process.