The government has stripped the Male’ City Council of control over a number of key land plots in the capital.
The decision removes several strategically located parcels from the council’s authority and places them under direct central administration. Officials have not published a full list of the affected sites or the detailed reasons for the transfer.
City council members and opposition politicians have criticised the move as an erosion of local governance powers. They argue that land management is a core municipal function and that the changes reduce the council’s ability to plan and regulate development in Male’.
The government has previously taken steps to centralise certain planning and land decisions. Supporters say the change will improve coordination for major infrastructure and housing projects. Critics see it as part of a pattern that weakens elected local bodies.
No timeline has been given for any further transfers. The council has not indicated whether it will challenge the decision through legal or political channels.
The issue adds to ongoing tensions between the central government and the Male’ City Council over jurisdiction and resources.
