President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Urban Development Act, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to guide urban planning and development across the Maldives. The act, passed by Parliament during its 55th sitting, aims to ensure sustainable and orderly urban growth while adhering to legal standards.
The legislation defines urban areas, categorises zones, and sets land-use and development standards. It also provides mechanisms for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of urban development projects. The primary goal is to promote structured urbanisation that aligns with the Maldives’ broader development objectives.
Under the act, President Muizzu, with cabinet approval, will set the national policy for urban development. Implementation of these policies will fall under the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, which is currently responsible for infrastructure development in the country.
A key component of the act is the establishment of an Urban Development Authority. This body will oversee the preparation of an Urban Area Development Master Plan for designated urban regions. It will also handle granting development permissions and support developers in carrying out approved projects. The authority will function under the ministry responsible for infrastructure policies.
With the president’s ratification, the Urban Development Act has been published in the government gazette. It will come into effect six months from its publication date, providing a timeline for the establishment of the necessary institutions and frameworks to drive urban development initiatives.
