Noonu Naturally > Progress > Engagements

45th Noonu Atoll Council Sitting

Introduction

Takeaways

Proposals & Decisions

Decision / 45.1 Budget Review: Kitchen Waste Recycling Project

Proposal
Takeaways
The Atoll Council hereby approves the expansion of the ongoing kitchen waste management project, which will now be known as the "Noonu Atoll Waste Recycling Project." This decision, reflecting the proposals submitted by the President of Maafaru Council and the Director of the Local Authority Company Board, Mohamed Adnan, was passed unanimously by the nine members present at the meeting. This strategic enhancement underscores the council’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and fostering economic development across the atoll. The expanded scope introduces two additional phases: the installation of solar panels at waste management sites and the establishment of a dedicated recycling facility on one of the atoll’s islands. The integration of solar energy aims to power the waste management centers, offsetting increased electricity costs associated with the new machinery, thereby ensuring long-term operational resilience. Furthermore, the objective of establishing an atoll-level recycling center is to create a robust system for collecting and processing specific waste types, such as plastics, into smaller fragments for commercial sale, aligning with recent shifts in government policy. This initiative re-establishes a project previously suspended due to perceived commercial unfeasibility, primarily impacted by prior policy restrictions on material collection from resorts. The total budget for this integrated project will see an increase of MVR 10,100,000, with the entire undertaking now divided into distinct phases. Acknowledging budget constraints faced by some island councils, the Atoll Council will release the total cost of MVR 3,000,000 for the initial kitchen waste management phase directly to the Local Authority Company, thereby replacing the previously required 50% contribution from individual island councils. This allocation reflects a reduction from the initial estimated cost of MVR 3,600,000 for this phase, achieved through the clarification of machinery prices during the competitive bidding process. This comprehensive decision reflects the council’s dedication to promoting sustainable development, enhancing municipal services, and fostering inclusive growth for all communities. Despite acknowledging financial limitations, the council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship, and the long-term well-being of the Noonu Atoll populace.
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Decision / 45.2 LAC capital Release

Proposal
Takeaways
The council has formally approved the release of MVR 1,000,000.00 (One Million Rufiyaa) as the essential initial capital required for the operational establishment of the Local Authority Company. This pivotal decision, reflecting the council’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic development and strengthening local governance, was reached following careful consideration of proposals submitted by Mr. Mohamed Adnan, who serves as both the President of Maafaru Council and the Director of the Local Authority Company Board. The resolution garnered unanimous support from the members present at the meeting, with all nine votes cast in favour of the allocation. This significant allocation is specifically designated to cover crucial foundational expenditures, including staff salaries, administrative operational expenses, and the effective execution of initial activities for the company, which has been established at the atoll level. The funding underscores the council's strategic vision to empower local entities and enhance the delivery of public services through a robust and financially sound local authority company. It directly supports the principles of decentralization, enabling localized management and greater responsiveness to community needs. Through this decisive action, the council reaffirms its dedication to promoting transparency, ensuring efficient service delivery, and fostering inclusive growth across the atoll. The investment in the Local Authority Company reflects a long-term commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities and improving community well-being. The council remains resolute in its pursuit of participatory governance and sustainable development, working towards a prosperous and resilient future for all residents.
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Decision / 45.3 Budget Review: Convention Tourism Project

Proposal
Takeaways
The Atoll Council, having thoroughly reviewed the proposals submitted by the President of Maafaru Council and Director of the Local Authority Company Board, Mohamed Adnan, hereby approves the allocation of two million Rufiyaa (MVR 2,000,000) to the Local Authority Company. This financial commitment is directed towards the advancement of the Convention Tourism Development Project, ensuring its progression to a functional operational level. The council’s decision was passed unanimously by the nine members present at the meeting, reflecting a collective resolve to enhance regional economic infrastructure. This strategic allocation addresses specific constraints encountered in the ongoing construction and development phases within the Council Secretariat premises. It has been observed that completing these works entirely through the Local Authority Company's original plan, which involved loans and debt financing, is currently not viable due to existing legal and other pertinent limitations. Consequently, rather than pursuing immediate full project completion, this vital funding will facilitate bringing all associated buildings to a standard that guarantees essential operational requirements, robust safety protocols, and adequate security measures for their intended use. This approach underscores the council's commitment to pragmatic project management and fiscal responsibility. This measured investment in economic development, specifically targeting the tourism sector, reflects the council's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and long-term resilience within the atoll. By ensuring foundational infrastructure is secure and operational, the council reaffirms its commitment to transparent governance and effective service delivery, even when navigating financial and legal shortfalls. The decision represents a crucial step in advancing vital municipal services and enhancing community well-being, laying groundwork for future sustainable development initiatives.
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Decision / 45.4 Kudafari Post LUP Project Budget Review

Proposal
Takeaways
The Council has formally approved key arrangements for the Kudafari Post-Land Use Plan project, an initiative slated to commence in 2025. This significant undertaking will be managed collaboratively by the Local Authority Company, with essential support provided by both the Noonu Kudafari Council and the Atoll Council, reflecting a commitment to strategic development and inter-council cooperation. The project is considered a substantial investment towards fostering planned and sustainable land utilization within the atoll. A crucial aspect of this decision pertains to the financing of the project, which requires MVR 300,000 for its completion. While the Kudafari Council had initially arranged to guarantee these funds, the Atoll Council has now determined that it will directly release this amount to the Local Authority Company. This adjustment underscores the council's dedication to ensuring equitable resource distribution among all islands, particularly in light of the Kudafari Council not having received specific assistance within the Atoll Council’s broader waste management project. This revised allocation pathway reflects a transparent and fair approach to supporting local development initiatives. Furthermore, in a move reflective of the council’s focus on digital transformation and shared resources, it has been resolved that all digital assets generated by this project will be designated as property of the Atoll Council. These assets are intended to be compiled into a comprehensive toolkit, readily accessible to all islands across the atoll, thereby promoting efficiency and standardized practices in similar future developments. This measure reinforces the principles of decentralization and inclusive growth, empowering communities with valuable tools. The council’s commitment extends to ensuring robust governance and enhancing municipal services through strategic, long-term investments such as this. This comprehensive decision, incorporating the proposals put forth by the Atoll Council's President, was reached by the unanimous consensus of the nine members present at the meeting. It underscores the collective resolve to foster community well-being and sustainable development. The council remains steadfast in its dedication to transparent governance and service delivery, ensuring that strategic initiatives like the Kudafari Post-Land Use Plan contribute significantly to a thriving and resilient future for all residents within the Atoll.
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Decision / 45.5 Noonu atoll council president official leave. Meeting with government ministries

Proposal
Takeaways
The Noonu Atoll Council has formally approved the official visit of its President, Mohamed Basheer, to Malé for crucial engagements with government ministries. This strategic decision reflects the council's unwavering commitment to proactive governance, particularly as the current term approaches its conclusion following the upcoming local council elections. The imperative for this trip stems from the need to secure essential approvals and facilitate cooperation from relevant ministerial bodies concerning the recently passed budget, as well as the financial allocations and expenditures required for ongoing projects initiated under the current administration. Accompanied by the Director of the Noonu Atoll Local Authority Company and other key personnel, President Basheer's delegation aims to address these critical matters expeditiously. The objective is to achieve concrete results and complete these necessary processes within an ambitious timeframe of two to three weeks, ensuring continuity and stability for the atoll's development agenda. This focused engagement underscores the council's dedication to maintaining robust fiscal management and ensuring the uninterrupted progress of vital initiatives that contribute to the community's well-being and long-term sustainable development. This decision, which passed with the unanimous consensus of all nine members present, taking into account the President's proposals, reaffirms the council's adherence to participatory governance and transparency. It highlights the collective resolve to uphold efficient service delivery and foster inclusive growth across Noonu Atoll, even amidst the transitional period associated with upcoming elections. The council remains steadfast in its mission to secure the necessary support for its strategic focus areas, ensuring that the momentum of decentralization benefits all residents through continued progress and resilient local administration.
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Decision / 45.6 2026 Annual budget

Proposal
Takeaways
The Council hereby approves the consolidated budget for the year 2026, amounting to 13,130,882.15 Maldivian Rufiyaa, following its submission and deliberation. This financial framework was formulated amidst significant financial challenges, a context that underscores the Council’s commitment to prudent fiscal management. It is noted that the government block grant, included for the period extending to May 2026, is specifically earmarked for employee salaries and benefits, rendering it insufficient for the comprehensive operational requirements of the Council. As observed by Council Member Mohamed Rauf during discussions, these funds primarily address recurrent expenditures. In light of strategic development objectives, the Council further approved an additional two million Rufiyaa (MVR 2,000,000.00) to be allocated for a project focused on installing solar energy systems within Noonu Atoll Council offices and waste management areas. This initiative, aligned with the broader development plan, reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability and enhancing resource efficiency. The Council acknowledges that, consistent with existing legal frameworks, certain aspects of this decision will necessitate subsequent authorization from the Ministry of Finance. The total approved figures for the 2026 budget are structured as follows: J-GOM at 2,380,200.25 Maldivian Rufiyaa, L-CTPF at 100,000.00 Maldivian Rufiyaa, and J-LCL at 10,650,681.90 Maldivian Rufiyaa, culminating in the aforementioned total of 13,130,882.15 Maldivian Rufiyaa. This decision was formally passed with the affirmative votes of 6 participating members of the Council. Despite the prevailing financial constraints, this budget underscores the Council's resolve to continue delivering essential services, fostering transparent governance, and promoting sustainable development for community well-being.
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