Case filed against Housing Minister for negligence in implementing Decentralisation Act

Male’ City Council has filed a case to Civil Court, requesting it to rule that Housing Minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been negligent in his responsibility to implement the Decentralisation Act.

In court today, Male’ City Council Lawyer Mohamed Fareed said that the Housing Ministry had stopped the council’s efforts after it made an announcement to seek parties interested in developing a park at Alimas Ufaa Carnival area, and that this resulted in losses for the council.

Male’ City Council made four requests as part of their case.

It requested the court to rule that the Minister had been negligent in his responsibility to implement the Decentralisation Act, and also requested for an order upon the Minister to prioritise the implementation of the Decentralisation Act under all circumstances.

Male’ City Council also requested for an order to hand over all lands that have been leased to the council, until the Land Act is amended such that it no longer contradicts the Decentralisation Act.

The council also requested the court to rule that the Minister should be held responsible for the damage incurred by citizens, City Council and Councillors as a result of the Minister’s negligence in implementing the Decentralisation Act.

The council also requested for a temporary order. This request was denied by the court which said that the requests made regarding the temporary order are in part the same as the requests made in the council’s claims.

When given the opportunity to present the defence, State Prosecutor Ushama Moosa said that the procedures to be followed if a Minister is alleged of failing to fulfil his responsibilities are stipulated in the Constitution; and that this is not an issue that should be filed to court.

Ushama said that while the plaintiff claims that damage had been incurred by several groups, it had not provided any details of the damage.

Civil Court Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain gave the State the opportunity to present its defence in writing before adjourning the trial.