Noonu Naturally > Progress > Engagements

40th Noonu Atoll Council Sitting

Introduction

Takeaways

Proposals & Decisions

40.1 Discussion on Adopting Collaboration with the NDA for Drug Rehabilitation and Reintegration within Island Councils

Proposal
The Noonu Atoll Council hereby formalises a strategic partnership with the National Drug Agency (NDA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, building upon discussions held during the 38th Noonu Atoll Council Sitting. This pivotal agreement is explicitly designed to establish a robust, island-level framework for drug rehabilitation and social reintegration across the atoll. It reflects the council’s collective commitment to moving beyond isolated interventions, ensuring a sustainable system of comprehensive care that prioritises community well-being and long-term recovery. This collaborative model underscores a dedication to holistic support, critically informed by the structured framework of the Noonu Wellness Programme, which outlines a journey from initial detoxification through community-based rehabilitation, social reintegration, and extended aftercare. The initiative necessitates a comprehensive exploration of integrated strategies to fortify local support systems, optimise resource allocation, and establish clear coordination mechanisms between local and national stakeholders. Insights from island councils, including the President of Kudafari Council, who highlighted the urgent necessity for community well-being, and the President of Maafaru Council, who shared practical lessons from direct implementation experience with the NDA team, have significantly enriched the partnership's design. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes roles, responsibilities, and timelines, ensuring coordinated action and efficient resource allocation. By incorporating grassroots perspectives on operational logistics, community engagement, and observed challenges and successes, the agreement reflects a community-driven approach that prioritizes engagement, operational efficiency, and scalability for the entire atoll. This collaboration lays the foundation for a resilient recovery ecosystem, reinforcing the council’s commitment to service delivery, transparency, and inclusive growth, while offering renewed hope and tangible solutions for individuals and families affected by substance abuse in Noonu Atoll.
You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.
This task is in the Decisions - Noonu Atoll Council plan.
Takeaways
The Noonu Atoll Council hereby formalises a strategic partnership with the National Drug Agency (NDA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, building upon discussions held during the 38th Noonu Atoll Council Sitting. This pivotal agreement is explicitly designed to establish a robust, island-level framework for drug rehabilitation and social reintegration across the atoll. It reflects the council’s collective commitment to moving beyond isolated interventions, ensuring a sustainable system of comprehensive care that prioritises community well-being and long-term recovery. This collaborative model underscores a dedication to holistic support, critically informed by the structured framework of the Noonu Wellness Programme, which outlines a journey from initial detoxification through community-based rehabilitation, social reintegration, and extended aftercare. The initiative necessitates a comprehensive exploration of integrated strategies to fortify local support systems, optimise resource allocation, and establish clear coordination mechanisms between local and national stakeholders. Insights from island councils, including the President of Kudafari Council, who highlighted the urgent necessity for community well-being, and the President of Maafaru Council, who shared practical lessons from direct implementation experience with the NDA team, have significantly enriched the partnership's design. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes roles, responsibilities, and timelines, ensuring coordinated action and efficient resource allocation. By incorporating grassroots perspectives on operational logistics, community engagement, and observed challenges and successes, the agreement reflects a community-driven approach that prioritizes engagement, operational efficiency, and scalability for the entire atoll. This collaboration lays the foundation for a resilient recovery ecosystem, reinforcing the council’s commitment to service delivery, transparency, and inclusive growth, while offering renewed hope and tangible solutions for individuals and families affected by substance abuse in Noonu Atoll.
Introduced by

In Favour
0
Opposed
0
More details

40.2 Discussion on Budget Allocation for Implementing Passport Issuance Services and Establishing a Regional Office of the Department of Immigration within Noonu Atoll Council

Proposal
The Noonu Atoll Council is currently engaged in a comprehensive review and discussion regarding the essential budgetary provisions required to introduce crucial public services at the local level. Central to these deliberations is the strategic proposal for establishing passport issuance capabilities and inaugurating a regional office of the Department of Immigration directly under the council’s administration. This significant initiative reflects the council’s unwavering commitment to enhancing governance and bolstering municipal services, thereby addressing key administrative bottlenecks and improving the daily lives of residents across the atoll. The primary impetus behind these proposed allocations is to significantly enhance the accessibility of vital immigration services for all individuals residing within the Noonu Atoll. Presently, residents frequently encounter considerable logistical challenges and extensive travel burdens when they are required to apply for or renew passports or to conduct other essential interactions with immigration authorities. The introduction of localised passport issuance and the establishment of a regional office are designed specifically to mitigate these inconveniences, thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming journeys to distant administrative centres. This direct delivery model is expected to alleviate significant pressures on residents, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Beyond simply improving access, the strategic establishment of a regional Department of Immigration office is poised to fundamentally streamline administrative processes across the atoll. This pivotal move represents a tangible step towards decentralisation, aligning with the council’s broader commitment to fostering more responsive and efficient public service delivery. By processing immigration-related matters locally, the council anticipates a notable reduction in processing times and an enhanced ability to address community-specific needs with greater agility. Such a framework not only simplifies interactions for the public but also reinforces transparency and accountability in local governance, contributing to the community’s overall well-being and long-term development.
You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.
This task is in the Decisions - Noonu Atoll Council plan.
Takeaways
The Noonu Atoll Council has considered the proposed budget of MVR 700,000 for the establishment of local passport issuance capabilities and a regional immigration office within the atoll. Despite the compelling rationale and the clear potential for enhancing local public services and alleviating logistical burdens for residents, the proposal ultimately failed to pass. This decision reflects a careful assessment by council members, who, while acknowledging the long-term advantages, identified several significant hurdles that necessitated a different approach at this juncture. The substantial financial outlay of MVR 700,000 was deemed too significant for the council's current fiscal capacity, particularly in the absence of a formalized and guaranteed cost-sharing agreement with the national government. Furthermore, unresolved operational concerns, including the specifics of staffing, long-term financial sustainability of the proposed services, and the establishment of robust security protocols, contributed to the consensus that the initiative was not yet sufficiently developed for immediate implementation. A critical shortfall was also noted regarding the lack of a comprehensive, formalized agreement with the Department of Immigration, underscoring the complexities inherent in decentralizing national services.
Introduced by

In Favour
0
Opposed
0
More details

40.3 Approval of Budget Amendment for Kudafari Council’s Contribution – Post-LUP Development Planning Consultancy

Proposal
Council approval to formally incorporate the MVR 180,000 contribution from Kudafari Council into the Noonu Atoll Council’s budget. The contribution is in accordance with the agreement under the Kudafari Council Proposal for Post-LUP Development Planning Consultancy Assistance. Approval will authorise the amendment of the current budgetary framework to reflect this contribution and ensure proper financial alignment with the consultancy initiative.
You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.
This task is in the Decisions - Noonu Atoll Council plan.
Takeaways
The Noonu Atoll Council hereby formally approves the requested budgetary amendment pertaining to the financial contribution from Kudafari Council, a decision affirmed by a vote of 5 in favour. This approval specifically acknowledges and accepts the receipt of MVR 180,000 from Kudafari Council, designated to support critical Post-LUP Development Planning Consultancy Assistance. This commitment from Kudafari Council underscores a collaborative approach to regional development and shared governance objectives within the atoll. The Council further resolves to amend the current budgetary framework to accurately reflect this incoming contribution under the appropriate revenue headings and to ensure its subsequent allocation towards the specified consultancy services under the relevant expenditure categories. This meticulous budgetary adjustment is paramount for upholding principles of transparency and accountability in financial management. It ensures the proper and traceable allocation of funds, directly aligning with the overarching development planning objectives established for the region, thereby strengthening the foundation for sustainable community well-being and progress. This decision reflects the Noonu Atoll Council's steadfast commitment to prudent fiscal governance and the effective implementation of strategic development initiatives. By integrating this contribution into our financial plan, the Council reinforces its dedication to fostering resilient and inclusive growth across the atoll through robust planning and collaborative partnerships. The Council remains committed to ensuring that all resources are managed with integrity, contributing to the long-term prosperity and enhanced municipal services for all residents.
Introduced by

Mohamed Basheer

President of Noonu Atoll Council | 2021-Now

In Favour
0
Opposed
0
More details