Local Council Association Urges Parliament for Consultations on New Urban Development Bill

The Maldives Local Council Association has called on Parliament to conduct comprehensive consultations regarding the drafting of the Binaveni Bill and proposed amendments to the Decentralisation Act. 

This appeal follows the introduction of the Urban Development Bill, which seeks to establish an agency that would curtail the powers of local councils, without prior involvement from the Ministry of Local Government.

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https://x.com/MLCAssociation/status/1826488811200942483

The Urban Development Bill is a new piece of legislation proposed by the government. It aims to define urban areas within the Maldives and regulate their development under a legal framework. 

The Bill also seeks to determine the zoning, classifications, and land use for urban and similar areas. Additionally, it sets basic standards for the development and operation of these areas, along with guidelines for monitoring and taking action against development projects.

Under this Bill, the Urban Development Authority will be established. This new government agency will be responsible for creating master plans for urban areas designated by the law. It will also issue permits to developers and oversee development activities.

Concerns regarding the Bill were voiced during a joint meeting of the National Development and Heritage Committee and the Decentralisation Committee, which included senior officials from the Housing and Local Government Ministries. 

The discussion highlights a significant debate over the balance of power between local councils and the proposed new agency.