Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Faris Al-Rawi, held this afternoon’s Media Conference to discuss the operationalisation of Local Government Reform, saying the time has come “to operationalise decades of discussion.”
Minister Al-Rawi noted that a meeting was expected to be held with Local Government stakeholders in the various Regional Corporations earlier today that was intended to address relief issues (funding, manpower, etc) among other matters. However, stakeholders in UNC-controlled Corporations boycotted the event on instruction from their Political Leader.
Minister Al-Rawi expressed disappointment in their actions, as he noted that the Prime Minister had made himself available to be part of discussions on Local Government Reform and to open himself up for questions on this matter. Nevertheless, he said the Government will press on with consultations, and will engage the trade union sector as well.
Among the core concepts of Local Government Reform:
- Moving Local Government from three years in cycle, to four years.
- Creation of Municipal Council, to be joined by Executive Council.
- Financing of Local Government (implementation of Property Tax).
Minister Al-Rawi said in seeking to operationalise Local Government Reform, the Government will approach the Cabinet to ask for 54 out of the 88 clauses in the legislation that have been passed to be considered for immediate/partial proclamation.