Majlis approves land reclamation amendment to facilitate national development projects

The People’s Majlis has approved an amendment to the Decentralization Act that will allow the government to reclaim land administered by local councils for the implementation of national development projects.

The amendment was passed during today’s parliamentary sitting with 47 votes in favour out of 59 members present. Eleven opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against the legislation, while the measure received support from members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

The bill was submitted by Thulhaadhoo constituency Independent MP Abdul Hannan.

The amendment underwent significant revisions during its review by the Decentralization Committee, ultimately providing a legal mechanism for the government to reclaim council-administered land when such action is approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of national projects.

A key amendment incorporated into the bill was proposed by Henveiru North constituency MP Ahmed Aifan.

Under the revised provision, where a local council or another party has made investments in land that is subsequently reclaimed by the government for a national project, fair compensation must be provided.

The relevant claim for compensation will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, providing a formal mechanism to account for investments made in the land before it is taken over for the development project.

The provision is intended to ensure that investments made by councils or other parties are properly considered when land is reclaimed for projects of national importance.

The amendment provides the government with an additional legal mechanism to secure land required for projects that have been approved as part of national development priorities.

The government has increasingly emphasized the need to accelerate major infrastructure and development projects across the country, including projects that require land currently administered by local councils.

Supporters of the amendment have argued that a clear legal framework for reclaiming such land can help prevent administrative obstacles from delaying projects that are intended to benefit communities and the country as a whole.

At the same time, the amendment has generated public discussion, with critics raising concerns over its potential impact on the constitutional role and autonomy of local councils.

The legislation will now move through the remaining stages of the lawmaking process, following its approval by Parliament.