President ratifies Urban Development Act

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday has ratified the Urban Development Act.

The controversial new Act had attracted criticism from the political opposition even before it received parliamentary nod of approval.

The bill was passed by the Parliament during the 55th sitting of the 20th Majlis on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 with a total of 70 votes.

The primary objective of the Act is to establish a comprehensive legal framework for defining urban areas, including their zoning, categorization, land use, and development standards according to the President's Office.

The bill also aims to regulate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of urban development projects across the country to ensure orderly, sustainable, and legally compliant urban growth.

Under the new Act, President Muizzu, upon the cabinet's recommendation, will formulate the national policy for urban area development in the Maldives as well.

The responsibility for implementing these policies is assigned to the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development.

Following the Act's enactment, an Urban Development Authority shall be established. The objective of this authority is to oversee the preparation of the Urban Area Development Master Plan for designated urban areas.

The authority will also be responsible in granting development permission and facilitating the implementation of development activities by developers within the designated urban areas.

The Urban Development Authority will operate under the ministry responsible for implementing infrastructure policies.

While the Act has been enacted and published in the Government Gazette, it will come into effect six months from the date of ratification and publication.

During the debate on the bill, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had expressed its concerns over it, with their primary concern being the possible restriction of council powers and their authority.

MDP President Abdulla Shahid is among the vocal critics of the bill as well.