Fayyaz: Urban development bill will “murder” decentralization system

Main opposition MDP’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail states the urban development bill submitted to the parliament by the government will “murder” the whole decentralization system.

He made the remark while speaking at a MDP National Council meeting held on Wednesday night.

In this regard, Fayyaz said a provision included in the urban development bill empowers the government to completely deprive councilors of the economic and financial autonomy ensured to them.

He stressed the need for the issue to become a public concern, adding that all efforts must be undertaken to ensure such a change does not occur.

“As you may know, councilors play a crucial role in upholding and developing our democracy. Thus, this is not only an attack on the decentralization system. This is one of the most threatening attacks by the current administration on democracy,” he said.

MDP has always accused administrations other than that of the party’s of working to disempower councilors and attempting to sideline councilors elected to serve the public from their responsibilities.

Urban development bill was submitted by Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi, on behalf of the government. At present, the parliament is seeking public opinion on the bill.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously expressed his view that the number of parliamentarians and councilors needs to be reduced to cut the expenses of the state. However, no such amendment has been submitted to the parliament so far.