Malé council to sue govt over land takeover

Malé City Council has decided to take legal action against the government's decision to take control of 14 sites under the council's jurisdiction, alleging that the transfer was carried out in violation of the law.

The decision was reached at an emergency council meeting on Friday night, following the government's announcement that several sites in Malé and Vilimalé, including Artificial Beach, would be transferred to state control.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure previously said the sites were required to implement development projects, provide infrastructure services and improve public facilities for residents of the Greater Malé area.

However, the council maintains that the transfer was carried out without consultation and in breach of legal requirements.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Malé Mayor Adam Azim said the decision would deprive the council of revenue generated from the sites and affect its ability to provide municipal services.

Azim said the council had decided to pursue legal action because the government had taken control of the land without consulting the council or following the procedures required by law.

He argued that the government had an obligation to support the decentralisation system established under the Decentralisation Act.

Instead, he accused the administration of undermining the system and concentrating powers within the central government.

"Under the Decentralisation Act, the islands of the Maldives are administered through a decentralised system, and the government is obliged to support that system," Azim said.

"However, what we are seeing now is the government dismantling that system and bringing all powers under its own control."

Azim said the transfer of the sites would create difficulties for the council in delivering services to residents, although he pledged to continue its work without allowing services to be disrupted.

"This is not an attack on the council. This is a direct attack on the people," he said.

The mayor also accused the government of acting against residents because the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) had failed to secure control of Malé City Council in the local council elections.

"They are doing this because they are angry with the people for not voting for them in the council elections. But isn't the reason people did not vote for them their lack of competence?" Azim said.

He maintained that the council would continue serving residents despite the difficulties arising from the government's decisions.

Azim said the council would not abandon its responsibilities until it had completed the work it had undertaken for the public.

The government recently amended legislation governing land to allow the acquisition of sites under local councils for state development projects.

However, the amended law requires the government to share complete project information and relevant documents with the council, consult the council and seek public opinion before implementing projects on land under a council's jurisdiction.

Malé City Council alleges that the government has not provided the required documents or followed the consultation process.

The council has also accused the administration of progressively removing its powers and obstructing the delivery of municipal services.

The legal challenge follows disagreements between the government and the opposition-controlled council over development projects and the division of responsibilities between central and local authorities.