Abdul Hannan defends land takeover bill, says opposition is trying to thwart development projects

PNC MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr has defended the bill that gives the government the power to take over land under council jurisdiction, saying the opposition will always try to obstruct government projects.

Speaking during the debate on a petition opposing the bill, Hannan said the amendment is intended to strengthen cooperation between councils and the central government.

He said the bill would transfer land currently under councils to state control so development projects can be implemented for public benefit. He added that the government is not “taking over” council land in the way critics claim.

“So this is a huge misconception, you know. I believe the rivals will always look to fight with the people in power and otherwise try to thwart what the government is doing,” said Hannan, who supports the administration.

Hannan previously stated that the main purpose of the amendment is to ensure council cooperation within a legal framework and accelerate government development projects. He said the bill also aims to strengthen procedures related to land required for state projects.

However, concerns have been raised because the amendment allows the Cabinet to set aside land under council jurisdiction and transfer it to the government if necessary, even before an island or city’s physical development plan is approved.

PNC parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah said the bill was passed with the support of PNC members.

The debate on the bill, which reduces council powers and transfers them to the government, concluded in one day and was sent for committee consideration on the 10th of this month.