Opposition MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has tabled a formal resolution in the People’s Majlis challenging the central government’s decision to reclaim 14 prime land plots from the Malé City Council, warning that the move unconstitutionally strips local authorities of their statutory powers and dismantles the decentralisation framework.
The first reading of the resolution, introduced by the Galolhu South lawmaker, was delivered during parliamentary proceedings to determine the chamber’s official position on an order issued by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development transferring the properties back under state control.
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The 14 reclaimed parcels include the capital’s primary municipal revenue generators and public recreational spaces: Sultan Park, Rasfannu, the land reclaimed for the fish market development, Thaiseekoshi, the Fish Market, Masveringe Maizaan (Fishermen’s Park), the Local Market, the Carnival area, Artificial Beach, Pay Toilet No. 2, the former Villa Hakatha petrol shed plot, Bondibaiy Park, the plot allocated for the National Library, and the city council’s staff accommodation site.
Meekail’s resolution contends that the executive expropriation directly undermines the Decentralisation Act by stripping the municipal authority of essential self-governance mandates.
The resolution highlights that the targeted plots provide regular rental and commercial revenue essential for funding the city’s recurrent municipal budget, including mosque upkeep, community maintenance, and daily administrative operations.
It further notes that the takeover threatens major municipal development projects actively being designed to relieve acute urban congestion in the capital, such as commercial parking facilities, recreational parks, and dedicated public open spaces.
The parliamentary resolution follows decisive pushback from local authorities.
On October 17, the Malé City Council convened an emergency sitting and unanimously passed a resolution to challenge the ministry’s directive in court, with plans to petition the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds and seek an emergency injunction to halt the transfer.
During that emergency session, Malé Mayor Adam Azim strongly condemned the ministry’s directive, stating that the plots form the bedrock of the council’s approved annual revenue projections.
“The government must clarify how we will receive the funds allocated in that budget,” Azim told councillors. “How are we supposed to generate our ongoing revenue if they seize these plots? That is something they are obligated to address.”
Azim warned that losing access to these operational properties would cripple municipal services and directly stall critical maintenance work on public housing units across the capital, including the Sinamalé, Maléhiyaa, and Villimalé residential flats.
