Govt gains power to conduct projects without council approval
Government gets authority to proceed with projects if a council does not issue approval within what the amendment describes as a “reasonable period.”
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The government will now be able to carry out development projects or activities on land under the jurisdiction of local councils without obtaining council permission, following the ratification of an amendment to the Decentralisation Act by President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday.
The bill, passed by Parliament last week and ratified Monday, grants the government authority to proceed with projects if a council does not issue approval within what the amendment describes as a “reasonable period.”
The amendment was introduced as part of a broader government proposal to reduce the number of councillors. The bill passed during a Parliament sitting on Thursday with the support of 54 MPs.
Before the vote, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) submitted an additional amendment enabling the government to undertake projects in island and atoll jurisdictions without council approval. The amendment was moved by Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdooh.
Under the amendment to Section 3-107(b), the government may act only in cases where a council does not grant authorisation within a reasonable timeframe. In such cases, the government may proceed with approval from the Local Government Authority (LGA), which operates under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.
Mamdooh’s amendment also adds Section 3-107(c), which states:
“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Act otherwise, the Government may apply for and seek permits from councils for development projects and activities in administrative areas with the permission of the Local Government Authority.”
Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef supported the amendment. The legislation does not define what constitutes a “reasonable period,” nor does it specify the types or locations of projects that may be carried out without council consent.
