New law clears way for government projects on council land

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has brought into force a new amendment to the Decentralization Act aimed at streamlining the implementation of government projects and clarifying the management of land and assets linked to local councils.

The 19th Amendment to the Decentralization Act was ratified on Tuesday after being approved by the 20th People’s Majlis on August 26.

A key change under the amendment is the formalisation of councils’ responsibilities in supporting government development projects. The law sets out a framework requiring councils to work with national authorities to facilitate projects within their respective jurisdictions.

The amendment also introduces clearer procedures for government authorities seeking to use or allocate land for state projects, including circumstances where an area under a council’s jurisdiction needs to be removed from that jurisdiction.

Another provision allows the government to establish integrated service centres across administrative areas. Through these centres, residents will be able to access services provided by national government institutions without having to deal with each authority separately.

The amendment also addresses the ownership of certain assets and resources previously held by atoll councils. Assets transferred to the Local Government Authority following the 17th Amendment will now be transferred to the ministry responsible for finance when the new amendment takes effect.

The legislation was published in the Government Gazette on September 1 and is now legally in effect.