A motion has been submitted to Parliament challenging the Government’s decision to remove 14 plots of land in Malé and Vilimalé from Malé City Council’s jurisdiction and transfer them to state ownership.

The motion, submitted by opposition MDP Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim, received its first reading in Parliament today.

The motion argues that the decision undermines local councils’ powers and obstructs decentralisation. It states that while the Decentralisation Act allows the Cabinet to remove land and properties from councils’ jurisdiction for government development projects, the law requires relevant project details to be shared with the council concerned and its views sought before a decision is made. Project details must also be made public.

However, the motion alleges that the 14 plots were taken over without consultation with the City Council or the disclosure of project details beyond their names.

The proposed developments include an e-sports arena and museum park near Sultan Park, commercial and market complexes, a childcare centre, parking facilities, electric vehicle charging stations and recreational facilities.

The motion also warns that the transfer could affect the council’s revenue, which helps fund mosque maintenance and administrative expenses.