The Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, accompanied by the Minister of Local Government, Badr Al-Din Al-Toumi, received this evening, Wednesday, the President and members of the Municipal Council of Yafran and a number of notables of the city, in the presence of the Minister of Youth and the heads of the executive agencies.
During his speech, Al-Dabaiba stressed “the need to unify national efforts to implement the constitution and fair electoral laws, to be the national reference that allows elections to be held and the transitional stages to end.”
He directed “the necessity of holding a technical meeting that includes the Ministry of Local Government, members of the municipal council, and executive bodies to identify the difficulties facing the municipality and work to address them within the next development plan.”
The Minister of Local Government, Badr al-Din al-Toumi, also directed the need to complete the plan to transfer competencies to municipalities to bring services closer to citizens, and he issued instructions to the executive bodies that development priorities should focus on water and sanitation projects, and educational and health facilities.
During the meeting, the heads of the executive agencies presented “technical reports on the projects implemented in the municipality, most notably the implementation of 5 new schools with a capacity of 36 classrooms, and the continuation of work in 3 other schools with a capacity of 31 classrooms. Work is also underway to implement the new Yafran Hospital with a capacity of 150 beds, and to rehabilitate and develop it.” The old Yafran Hospital, in addition to completing the preparation of the Yafran Youth House, in addition to the progress of work on establishing a closed sports hall in the city.”
For his part, the Director of the Housing and Utilities Authority confirmed that “the water supply plan for the municipalities of Al-Jabal is proceeding according to schedule, as 4 sub-reservoirs and a main reservoir have been completed.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the municipal council affirmed their “support for the efforts of the national unity government to achieve stability and development, and to strengthen the role of local administration.”
Last updated: November 20, 2024 – 20:39
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What role does local governance play in maintaining democracy in Libya?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Local Government Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Good evening and welcome to our special segment on local governance. Today, we have a distinguished expert in municipal leadership, Dr. Sarah El-Masri, joining us to discuss recent developments in Yafran with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba’s address regarding the importance of unifying efforts for constitutional elections. Dr. El-Masri, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Sarah El-Masri (DSE): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Prime Minister Al-Dabaiba emphasized the need for unified efforts to implement the constitution and establish fair electoral laws. How crucial is this approach for Yafran and the broader context in Libya?
DSE: It’s absolutely vital. A unified approach not only helps in stabilizing the political climate but also builds trust among the citizens. Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, and without a solid constitutional framework, the electorate might feel disenfranchised. His call for national unity reflects a recognition that fragmented efforts can hinder progress significantly.
TNE: In his speech, Al-Dabaiba also highlighted the importance of addressing municipal difficulties through technical meetings. How can such meetings shape the future of local governance?
DSE: These meetings are critical. They serve as a platform for open dialog, allowing municipal councils to voice their challenges directly to the central government. By identifying difficulties collaboratively, local leaders and the Ministry of Local Government can tailor their support and resources effectively, which leads to more tailored and impactful solutions.
TNE: The Minister of Local Government, Badr al-Din al-Toumi, focused on transferring competencies to municipalities. What do you think are the immediate benefits of such an initiative?
DSE: Transferring competencies gives municipalities the autonomy to address their specific needs more efficiently. It empowers local leaders to prioritize projects that directly affect their citizens, like water, sanitation, and health facilities. When local authorities are closer to the people, they can implement changes that resonate more with community needs, ultimately enhancing the quality of life.
TNE: During the meeting, reports were presented on several projects, including new schools and improved facilities. What role do such developments play in fostering a sense of local governance?
DSE: Infrastructure projects like schools are vital for community development. They not only create jobs and boost the local economy but also reinforce the local government’s capacity to provide essential services. When residents see tangible improvements, it enhances their confidence in local governance and encourages civic engagement, which is essential for sustainable democracy.
TNE: Lastly, with ongoing challenges in Libya, what do you believe needs to happen for local councils to successfully navigate these turbulent times?
DSE: Collaboration is key. Local councils need to work closely with both the central government and non-governmental organizations to leverage resources and expertise. Furthermore, transparency and communication with citizens must be prioritized to build trust and ensure that the community feels involved in decision-making processes. In these challenging times, strong local governance can serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.
TNE: Dr. El-Masri, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that local governance has a critical role to play in shaping the future of communities in Libya.
DSE: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay engaged and informed as we continue to explore the dynamics of governance in our region.