New bill seeks to dissolve Disaster Management Centre, establish Disaster Management Authority

A bill has been submitted to the parliament proposing to dissolve the National Disaster Management Centre and establish a new institution, the National Disaster Management Authority.

The bill, submitted by Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon, states that the National Disaster Management Authority shall be established within 30 days of the bill being ratified by the President after being passed by the parliament.

The National Disaster Management Centre shall be dissolved following the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority, and all its assets, resources, staff, and all staff rights and responsibilities shall be transferred to the National Disaster Management Authority.

The head of the authority shall be a Chief Executive, followed by a Deputy Chief Executive, both to be appointed by the President. Staff will be appointed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Some powers of the National Disaster Management Authority stated in the bill are:

- Work with relevant government institutions to manage disasters

- Create regulations, procedures, and plans to reduce the impact of disasters

- Act as the mediator in the management and execution of disaster-related issues

- Managing disasters, conducting research and disseminating information related to disasters

- Act as an institution that provides advice to the public regarding management and monitoring of disaster-related issues.

The new law will require the establishment of a National Disaster Management Council within 30 days of coming into effect.

The purpose of the Council is to work towards minimising disaster impact, preparing for disasters, responding to disasters, and making decisions and national policies on disaster recovery.