President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the law needs to be amended for the ease of formulation of the land use plan by local councils.

President Solih made the statment while speaking at the Viavethi Raajje Conference held at Alif Alif Atoll Ukulhas.

He noted that plans formulated by local councils remaining in a state of pending approval due to the Decentralization Act has been a hindrance to the development of those islands.

So far, plans for only seven islands have been approved and passed in accordance with the act. Even though 55 islands have formulated their plans, they remain unapproved due to amendments that need to be brought.

Speaking during the two-day Viavethi Raajje conference during the panel on formulating land-use plans, President Solih stated that they are aware that there are challenges in terms of the law since the work has still not been complete. He added that the government intends to ease the process by bringing amendments to the law, though no further details were provided.

Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam added that the formulation of land use plans have still not wrapped up is because amendments to the law have not been made yet.

The Minister had also detailed easier way to detail certain things that needs to be included in order to finish the plans.

As per the law, land use plans need to be approved within three months of submission if there are no more pending revisions.