The government on Wednesday removed 14 land plots, including Sultan Park, Rasfannu, and Thaisey Koshi, from the jurisdiction of the Male’ City Council.
The Housing Ministry issued a gazetted announcement confirming the removal. The plots were reclaimed under amendments to the Decentralization Act passed by the government-controlled Parliament. The ministry cited Section 56-2, which allows the Cabinet to remove land from a council if required for a development project.
The announcement stated the lands were taken “to carry out urban development work required for the populations of Male’ and Villimale’, to provide infrastructure services, and to implement projects related to the essential development and maintenance of such services.”
Some plots, including Rasfannu and Thaisey Koshi, currently have no active projects. The full list includes Sultan Park (planned as an e-sporting arena and museum park), Rasfannu, areas for a fish market, Thaisey Koshi (temporary worker accommodation), Fish Market, Fishermen’s Square, Local Market, Carnival area, Artificial Beach, a pay toilet, a petrol shed, Bondibaiy Park, National Library land, and City Council accommodation land.
Once the Cabinet decides to remove a plot for government projects, it falls under full central government control. The law requires handover even before a local physical development plan is finalized.
Critics have called the changes the “Land Grabbing Bill,” arguing they weaken decentralization.