The Malé City Council passed a resolution during an emergency meeting yesturday to take legal action against the government after the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development informed the council that 14 land plots currently under its jurisdiction are being reclaimed by the state. The council asserted that the executive decision is illegal.
In response to the government’s decision, South Hulhumalé Councillor Ahmed Ghalib proposed at the emergency sitting that the council seek a court injunction to suspend the decision and take the matter to the Supreme Court as a constitutional case. The council drafted a formal resolution to that effect, which was passed unanimously by all members present at the meeting.
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Reading the agenda at the emergency sitting, the Council’s Secretary General stated that the Housing Ministry notified the council that 14 plots of land utilized by the council to provide essential daily public services and generate municipal revenue are being abruptly removed from Malé City Council jurisdiction, placed under full state authority, and designated as government property.
Speaking at the meeting, Malé Mayor Adam Azim stated that these plots generate vital operational revenue for the council, noting that the council’s annual budget is formulated with those income streams factored in.
“The government must clarify how we will receive the funds allocated in that budget. How are we supposed to generate our ongoing revenue if they seize these plots? That is something they are obligated to address,” Azim said.
Azim pointed out that the council is currently drafting a comprehensive master plan aimed at easing congestion in the capital, which includes constructing parking buildings, creating public parks, and establishing open green spaces.
“Because this government is incapable of carrying out anything that eases life for citizens, it is actively halting the work of those who do. I view this as an administration focused on causing hardship for the public,” Azim said.
Azim added that the executive’s decision will disrupt certain public services provided by the council, warning that ongoing maintenance work on the Sinamalé, Maléhiyaa, and Villimalé housing flats will also face severe operational constraints.
