The government has removed 14 land plots from the jurisdiction of the Malé City Council and placed them under the relevant ministry.
According to the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, the decision was taken under the Land Act to enable the implementation of important urban development projects and the continued provision of essential services. Details of the specific plots and planned projects have been published in the Gazette.
The move has drawn criticism from some opposition figures, who argue that the government is systematically reducing the powers of the elected council. Council members have previously raised concerns about land and planning authority being centralised.
The transfer forms part of broader discussions about the division of responsibilities between the central government and local councils in the capital.