Gov’t Reveals Land-Use Plans Approved for Several Islands

Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has confirmed the approval of land-use plans for over 130 islands, with only a minority awaiting final approval. 

The assurance came during a media briefing shedding light on the ministry’s ongoing initiatives and projects.

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Under the decentralisation act, councils are mandated to formulate land-use plans. According to the legislation, island councils must devise these plans within three months of council member elections, tailored to the developmental needs and support requirements outlined by atoll councils. However, two years post-election, a significant majority have yet to submit their land-use plans, with only a handful receiving approval before the previous government’s term concluded.

Minister Adam Shareef underscored the substantial concern raised by councils regarding the delay in plan approvals, citing its adverse impact on development progress. In response, the government introduced an online portal in January 2024 to streamline the approval process. This portal facilitates online submission of land-use plans and requests for plan modifications, with the added convenience of tracking plan statuses remotely.

The minister highlighted the effectiveness of this initiative, noting that many councils have swiftly obtained plan approvals. With the new system in place, approvals can now be secured within a week, provided no issues arise, marking a significant improvement from the previously protracted approval timeline.

Upon government approval, land-use plans can be implemented following consultations with residents of the respective islands. The ministry disclosed that 139 land-use plans have been greenlit thus far, with 21 plans currently undergoing approval procedures.

The Local Government Authority (GA) has been instrumental in aiding the development of land-use plans, primarily through financial assistance. It reassured that all islands nationwide would have approved plans in the near future. These plans serve the critical purpose of allocating land for various social and economic endeavours, including housing initiatives, social services, and economic ventures.