Parliament Approves Urban Development Bill

The Parliament of the Maldives has approved the Urban Development Bill, a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at enhancing urban planning and development across the nation. The bill was introduced by Villingili MP Azim Abdul Aziz on behalf of the government and passed by a unanimous voice vote, with all 70 members present supporting the legislation.

The Urban Development Bill mandates the establishment of a unified national policy for urban development, to be formulated by the President based on recommendations from the Council of Ministers. This policy will standardize the implementation of urban development projects, ensuring consistency while enabling greater public participation in the process.

A key feature of the bill is the creation of a dedicated 'Urban Development Authority', which will take over the functions of the existing Urban Development Department under the Construction Ministry. This authority will be responsible for zoning, land use management, project monitoring, and compliance with national standards.

Once ratified by the President, the legislation will require the designated ministry to oversee the effective implementation of the law and the associated policies.

The approval of the Urban Development Bill marks a significant step toward organized urban planning, aligning with the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and improved infrastructure in the Maldives.