The Maldivian government has introduced a bill aimed at defining urban regions across the nation and establishing an Urban Development Authority (UDA) to oversee their development. Submitted to Parliament by Vilingili MP Azim Abdul Azeez (PNC) on behalf of the government, the bill proposes a new framework for categorising Maldivian territories into metropolitan areas, urban regions, and urban centres based on population thresholds.
Under the proposed legislation, metropolitan areas will be defined as regions with a population exceeding 150,000. Urban regions will encompass areas with more than 50,000 inhabitants, while urban centres will include populations greater than 10,000. These classifications are expected to provide a clear structure for urban planning and development across the Maldives, aligning with broader national growth strategies.
One of the key aspects of the bill is the establishment of the UDA, which will be endowed with sole authority over planning and development decisions within designated urban areas. These areas will fall within the jurisdiction of local councils, but the UDA will assume control over all development activities, leaving local councils responsible solely for municipal services. This centralisation of power is intended to streamline development processes, particularly in areas with significant growth potential.
The UDA will inherit the legal and operational responsibilities, as well as the property, resources, and employees, currently managed by the Urban Planning and Urban Development Department under the Ministry of Planning. This transition is expected to consolidate urban development efforts under a single authority, potentially leading to more cohesive and strategic urban planning initiatives.
For currently uninhabited areas, the bill grants the UDA full control over planning and development, positioning the Authority as the principal body responsible for shaping the future of these regions. The bill outlines that urban areas will be developed in zones designated for various purposes, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and special uses.
Moreover, the legislation mandates the preparation of an urban development master plan for these regions, which will be aligned with the National Development Plan. This requirement underscores the government’s commitment to integrating urban development with broader national objectives, potentially fostering more sustainable and balanced growth.
Impact on Future Development
The introduction of this bill marks a significant shift in the governance of urban development in the Maldives. By centralising planning authority under the UDA, the government aims to create a more unified approach to urbanisation, which could accelerate the development of key regions, particularly those identified as having high growth potential.
The categorisation of regions based on population size may also facilitate more targeted investments and resource allocation, ensuring that the needs of growing urban populations are met more effectively. This could lead to the emergence of well-planned, sustainable cities that support economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
However, the bill’s centralisation of authority may raise concerns about the diminishing role of local councils in shaping their communities. While local councils will retain control over municipal services, their reduced influence over planning and development decisions could limit their ability to respond to local needs and preferences. Balancing the UDA’s authority with the input of local stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring that development is both efficient and inclusive.
The proposed establishment of an urban development master plan aligned with the National Development Plan highlights the government’s intent to integrate urban growth with long-term national goals. If implemented effectively, this could result in a more coordinated approach to urbanisation, reducing the risks of haphazard development and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources across the nation.
As the bill progresses through Parliament, its potential impact on the future of urban development in the Maldives will be closely watched. The success of the UDA in driving sustainable and inclusive growth will depend on its ability to balance centralised planning with the diverse needs of local communities.
