Doha: HE Minister of Local Administration and Environment of the Syrian Arab Republic Mohammad Anjarani stated that the ministry is undertaking a comprehensive reform plan to restructure administrative work and foster community and sectoral partnerships within a broad national vision. This effort aims to address accumulated challenges while aligning with increasing regional and international openness toward Syria.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE the Minister emphasized Qatar's longstanding support for the Syrian people, spanning many years of humanitarian and development initiatives. He praised Qatar's developmental involvement in Syria and confirmed that cooperation between the two nations has reached advanced stages.
HE Minister Anjarani expressed hopes to leverage Qatar's expertise in local administration and environmental fields, especially in local services, waste management, and urban planning. He noted the challenging situation of the Ministry upon his assumption of office, with institutions weakened by years of conflict, administrative stagnation, and unclear task allocations, all of which negatively affected service quality for citizens.
His Excellency highlighted the importance of restructuring the Ministry with technical and professional precision, drawing on successful regional experiences to enhance service delivery that meets public expectations and realities.
He underscored the Ministry's commitment to transparency and diligent work, keeping local communities informed about administrative activities and encouraging their participation in decision-making and project execution.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen partnerships between society and local councils, with an emphasis on ensuring local administration reflects public aspirations rather than being positioned above them. The Ministry follows a dual approach, addressing both long-term strategies and urgent needs, especially in affected areas lacking accurate data on necessities such as housing, infrastructure, and public services.
HE Minister Anjarani announced the near completion of a comprehensive emergency database, which will facilitate effective interventions supported by humanitarian organizations, government bodies, and investment agencies. These efforts are bolstered by recent political changes and the lifting of certain sanctions that previously impeded ministry functions.
His Excellency stressed the Ministry's focus on empowering local councils and civil society, emphasizing the role of society as a genuine development partner. He noted that local councils will require intensive training to deliver services professionally and efficiently.
Regarding Ministry restructuring, he stated that the process was guided by scientific principles and modern administrative practices. The new organizational structure, finalized in the past 50 days, will be announced soon, with implementation slated for early June, signaling a new chapter in the Ministry's operations.
The changes extend beyond administrative structures to include procedural simplification and service automation, aiming to transform the perception of local administration from a bureaucratic entity to one of efficiency. The Ministry aspires to reduce costs, facilitate service access, and fully automate government transactions as part of Syria's digital governance strategy.
On administrative unit performance, he acknowledged the pressure these units face due to overloads without adequate tools and systems. The Ministry is determined to empower these units with necessary authorities and updated systems to transition from crisis management to actual local development.
HE Minister Anjarani highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships, advocating their expansion across various local administration sectors while maintaining public sector independence. He stressed that these partnerships are vital for rapid and sustainable development.
In closing, HE the Minister reiterated the Ministry's dedication to transparency, performance speed, and professionalism, with ongoing efforts to recruit qualified personnel. He affirmed the Ministry's new phase of transformation and efficiency, supported by international developments and increased regional backing, particularly from Qatar, to implement projects enhancing local stability and hope in affected areas. He promised tangible results in the coming months.