Oman- Municipal Council members call for more powers

Date

8/31/2016 1:45:49 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Members have called for more powers to take the development agenda forward as the term of the first Municipal Council nears its end.

Sheikh Said bin Salim al Hadidi, a Municipal Council member from the wilayat of Seeb said that most plans have been implemented over the course of four years. 'As per our plans, we have improved civic services in some villages in Seeb. For example, we have built new roads and parking spaces, installed street lights, repaired cemetery walls, cleared trees, provided electricity and water connections.

'Some flyovers too have come up to ease traffic movement in the area. During this period, some progress has been made in the Seeb waterfront project too.'

Another Municipal Council member from Quriyat, Mubarak bin Mohammed al Amri, said that some people are not aware about the Municipal Council and its functions. 'They criticise us if the government fails to implement their demands. We do not have executive powers. The government must have new rules in place to improve the functioning of second Municipal Council.'

Amri said that the council's role is limited to giving recommendations. 'It is important to amend the Municipal Council law and give it more powers for the next term.

'Several utility projects related to streets, sewage and restoration of buildings were initiated but some failed to take off due to dip in oil prices and lack of funds.'

Hadidi said that a new state-of-the art slaughterhouse in Ma'abela will be in operation soon. 'Some of the upcoming projects include developing the old villages and fish market, improving the road network from the bridge near Wadi al Ursh to Seeb Souq, building a bridge near Muscat Municipality office in Seeb to link with new express road and establishing a transmitter station in Damaniyat Islands.'

He said that another important project which needs to be implemented is the construction of a footover bridge near Naseem Gardens to cater to the rush during Muscat Festival. 'I think my term has been a success. I interacted a lot with citizens in my area to know about their problems and tried to solve them as much as possible.'

Ismail al Balushi, a citizen from the wilayat of Shinas said that there was no development in his area. 'There was no coordination between the Municipal Council and municipalities. Most people are frustrated with the council's role.'

Humaid al Mammary, a citizen from Saham said that everyone tried their best to serve the people. 'Some members discussed with us about the needs of the villages. For example, we wanted them to improve the road network in the wilayat of Saham but unfortunately the council couldn't initiate the project. The government has to give it more powers.'

Muath al Kasbi, a citizen from the wilayat of Jalaan Bani Bu Ali said, 'There hasn't been any progress in the wilayat since the first election in 2012. I think lack of powers may have affected the functioning of the council. What we need is more executive powers.'

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