The People’s Majlis yesterday accepted for consideration a bill submitted on behalf of the government by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Saudhulla Hilmy on building codes.
Presenting the 90-page draft legislation (Dhivehi) at yesterday’s sitting of parliament, Hilmy explained that the proposed law would establish a legal framework and set safety standards for the construction industry in the Maldives.
“One of the most important reasons for [submitting] this bill is because important measures are not taken due to the lack of a bill or law while many people have died or suffered serious harm in construction accidents,” the MP for Thinadhoo North said.
The submission of the bill was delayed due to changes made by ministers under successive governments, he added.
The bill proposes the formation of the ‘Maldives Building and Construction Authority’ to function under the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
The authority would be tasked with formulating rules and regulations, setting standards, and ranking and registering contractors and industry professionals.
All MPs who spoke during the ensuing debate spoke in favour of the bill and noted the importance of introducing a Building Act.
However, several MPs argued that the building and construction authority should be an independent institution free from political influence.
Some MPs objected to contractors from the atolls having to travel to Malé to seek permits or licenses while others suggested that the law should incentivise or provide equal opportunity for small and medium-sized construction companies.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Mariya Ahmed Didi said the submission of important legislation drafted during the MDP’s three years in government were delayed due to the “coup on February 7, 2012.”
As a result of changing regulations and the lack of a comprehensive building code, Mariya said several of her constituents in the Manchangoalhi ward of Malé had requests for construction permits declined.
MDP MP Ahmed Nashid contended that fines specified in the bill were excessive and suggested revisions at the committee stage.
PPM MP Jameel Usman meanwhile noted that the bill includes provisions for incentivising the hiring of locals in the construction industry.
He suggested that the law should also specify a reasonable period for approving construction permits and recommended improvements by the committee.
Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim contended that the faults in the bill were too numerous to be rectified at the committee and said it should be withdrawn.
As audit reports were exposing “serious corruption and negligence” by government ministries, Gasim argued it would not be advisable to require approval and permits from the housing ministry.
Following the preliminary debate, the bill was accepted unanimously with 61 votes in favour and sent to the national development committee for further review.
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In the age of globalisation, international = local.
The funny part is that Maldives is now following the highest international standards in democracy, human rights etc, the most difficult areas for countries for rich countries like Singapre ..
In this day and age, there are no such thing as separte 'international standards' any more. The highest standards of luxury FACILITIES are available in Maldives. But proper hospitality education is not there because the same philosophy is absent from education system - typical example of tunnel vision.
Globalisation calls to either follow international practices or die. So why bother wasting time. International standards of building, safety, aviation, food... down to plant fertilizer should be adopted.. its not cheap but inevitable.
finally. This has been long overdue. Precious lives have been placed in danger far too many times already.