Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Nazim has asserted that the Government’s proposed amendment to the Tourism Act aims to facilitate progress on stalled development projects.

Speaking during yesterday’s parliamentary session, the Deputy Speaker defended the bill, proposed by Thimarafushi constituency MP Ahmed Riyaz, against criticism from opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members. The opposition objected to an amendment that would grant the President authority to designate lagoons and uninhabited islands within council jurisdictions for tourism purposes.

Nazim explained that the Government came to power with the goal of addressing obstacles hindering progress on initiatives important to citizens. He noted that previous administrations had already set precedents by allocating lagoons and uninhabited islands for tourism development.

To illustrate his point, Nazim cited examples, including a 10-hectare plot from Meemu Dhiggaru lagoon and another from Meemu Veyvah lagoon, both leased for resort development after collecting USD 500,000 each.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted that Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham has advised that neither the Decentralisation Act nor other related legislation grants councils the authority to lease lagoons and uninhabited islands for tourism purposes. Following this legal opinion, development work on previously council-allocated lands has completely halted.

Nazim described the amendment as essential, arguing that without it, the Government might be obligated to reimburse advance payments made by parties who leased these properties from councils. He maintained that its primary purpose is to establish a clear legal framework for stalled projects to move forward.

The Deputy Speaker also emphasised the amendment’s local economic benefits, stating that if development proceeds, young islanders will have employment opportunities closer to home rather than having to travel to distant locations for work.