Introduction
The 38th Noonu Atoll Council Sitting discussed several key topics, including the validation of a partnership with the National Drug Agency on drug rehabilitation and reintegration programs, the consideration of joining the Strong Cities Network, opposition to the Land-Use Planning Act and Urban Planning Bill, and a proposal for post-LUP development planning consultancy assistance from Kudafari Island Council.
Takeaways
Partnership with the National Drug Agency on drug rehabilitation and reintegration programs is to be validated.Joining the Strong Cities Network is under consideration.There is opposition to the Land-Use Planning Act and Urban Planning Bill.Kudafari Island Council seeks consultancy assistance for post-LUP development planning.
Proposals & Decisions
- Proposal
- Noonu Atoll Council and the National Drug Agency have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and commitment to the drug rehabilitation and reintegration program. This MOU outlines specific areas of collaboration, defines the roles and responsibilities of each party, and establishes a timeline for program implementation. This significant milestone demonstrates both organizations' dedication to addressing drug addiction in Noonu Atoll. With the MOU in place, the partnership can proceed with greater certainty and efficiency. The program aims to build partnerships and coordination mechanisms, develop a shared vision and strategies, create partnership plans, involve stakeholders, ensure efficient service delivery, and establish a guiding shared vision. By working together, the Noonu Atoll Council and the National Drug Agency are taking a positive step towards addressing drug addiction in Noonu Atoll.You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.This task is in the Council Decision list - General plan.
- Takeaways
- Recognizing the importance of addressing drug addiction and its impact on the community, the Noonu Atoll Council, in partnership with the National Drug Agency, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration on a drug rehabilitation and reintegration program. The MOU delineates specific areas of cooperation, defines the roles and responsibilities of both parties, and establishes a timeline for the implementation of the program. This partnership represents a significant step in both organizations’ commitment to effectively addressing the challenges of drug addiction within Noonu Atoll. Through this MOU, the parties seek to foster coordinated efforts, develop a shared vision and strategic plan, engage stakeholders, ensure the delivery of essential services, and establish a guiding framework for long-term success in rehabilitation and reintegration. Resolved, that the Noonu Atoll Council hereby formally validates and endorses the Memorandum of Understanding with the National Drug Agency, affirming its commitment to the goals of the drug rehabilitation and reintegration program in Noonu Atoll.
- Introduced by
Mohamed Adnan
maafaru Island Council President
- In Favour
- 7
- Opposed
- 1 More details
38.1 Validating Partnership with National Drug Agency on Drug Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs
- Proposal
- Information guide https://strongcitiesnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Info-Guide-2024.pdf provides background on the Network’s mission, approach, thematic focus and organisational structure. It also provides information regarding membership and engagement philosophy, as well as Guiding Principles, which all members are expected to support and commit to – in words and actions. In terms of membership benefits, there are many. From connecting mayors and other local leaders and practitioners, to exchanging lessons learned and invitations to in-person and virtual events, the Strong Cities Network inspires and catalyses local prevention and response to address hate, extremism and polarisation. Strong Cities also works to elevate the voices of local leaders so that the priorities and experiences of cities can be reflected in national, regional and international policy-making.You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.This task is in the Council Decision list - General plan.
- Takeaways
- The council hereby approves the proposal to join the Strong Cities Network, an international organization dedicated to preventing and countering hate speech, extremism, and polarization. The council acknowledges the benefits of membership, including increased collaboration with other cities, access to valuable resources, and opportunities to share experiences and best practices. The council further resolves to review the Strong Cities Network Information Guide to gain a deeper understanding of the network's mission, approach, and membership requirements. Following this review, the council will take the necessary steps to formalize its membership and actively participate in the network's activities.
- Introduced by
Mohamed Adnan
maafaru Island Council President
- In Favour
- 8
- Opposed
- 0 More details
38.2 Strong Cities Network Membership
- Proposal
- Strongly oppose the recent passage of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill, which we believe undermines the principles of decentralization. The Act centralizes decision-making power, depriving communities of their ability to plan and manage their own resources. The consultation process for the Act was flawed, and the government failed to consider the input of local councils, technical experts, and other stakeholders. The Act grants excessive power to the government, allowing it to override the authority of local councils and control the use of Maldives land and natural resources without public participation. We demand that the government reconsider the Act and bill revise it to align with the principles of decentralization, transparency, and accountability.You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.This task is in the Council Decision list - General plan.
- Takeaways
- Noonu Atoll Council strongly opposes the recent passage of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill, which undermine the principles of decentralization. The Act centralizes decision-making power, depriving Maldives island communities of their ability to plan and manage their own resources. The consultation process for the Act is flawed, and the parliament failed to consider the input of local councils, technical experts, and other stakeholders. The Act grants excessive power to the central government, allowing it to override the authority of local island councils and control the use of the land and natural resources without public participation. The Council demands that the government and parliament reconsider the Act and bill and revise them to align with the principles of decentralization, transparency, and accountability.
- Introduced by
Mohamed Rauf
kendhikulhudhoo Island Council President
- In Favour
- 8
- Opposed
- 0 More details
38.3 Call for the Repeal of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill: A Threat to Decentralization
- Proposal
- Kudafari Island Council seeks consultancy assistance from Noonu Atoll Council for post-LUP development planning. The proposed consultancy will be divided into two components: Monthly Retainer and Design Development. The Monthly Retainer component will involve assessing LUP allocations, establishing priorities, and developing Technical Design Briefs. Deliverables will include an inception evaluation report, Technical Design Brief, and monthly reports. For selected projects, the Design Development component will provide detailed design development drawings and documentation, including architectural and structural detail design, tender assistance, and post-tender consultancy. Deliverables will include Schematic Design, Design Development 1, Tender, and Post-tender consultancy. The estimated total cost of the project is MVR 270,000, with Kudafari Council contributing MVR 165,000, Noonu Atoll Council contributing MVR 50,000, and Noonu Atoll Company contributing MVR 55,000 in-kind.You can also reply to this email to add a task comment.This task is in the Council Decision list - General plan.
- Takeaways
- Council hereby approves the Kudafari Island Council's request for consultancy assistance in post-LUP development planning. The consultancy is divided into two components: Monthly Retainer and Design Development. The Monthly Retainer component involves assessing LUP allocations, establishing priorities, and developing Technical Design Briefs. Deliverables includes inception evaluation report, Technical Design Brief, and monthly reports. For selected projects, the Design Development component provides detailed design development drawings and documentation, including architectural and structural detail design, tender assistance, and post-tender consultancy. Deliverables include Schematic Design, Design Development, Tender, and Post-tender consultancy. The Council allocates MVR 35,000 from the 2024 budget to support Kudafari Island Council's MVR 185,000 contribution to the project, bringing total contribution to MVR 235,000. The remaining MVR 50,000 will be requested to be covered by an in-kind contribution from the Noonu Atoll Company. The Council directs the relevant departments to coordinate with Kudafari Island Council to finalize the consultancy agreement and to hand over project implementation to Noonu Atoll Company.
- Introduced by
Ali Shameem Mohamed
kudafari Island Council President
- In Favour
- 8
- Opposed
- 0 More details