29-05-2025
Syrian minister praises Qatar's involvement in developmental efforts in his country
DAMASCUS: Minister of Local Administration and Environment of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Mohammad Anjarani has said that the ministry is currently implementing a comprehensive reform plan aimed at restructuring administrative work and activating community and sectoral partnerships within a broad national vision to respond to accumulated challenges, while keeping pace with increasing regional and international openness toward Syria.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Minister emphasized that Qatar's role in supporting the Syrian people extends over many years of humanitarian and development work. He praised Qatar's involvement in developmental efforts in Syria during this phase and confirmed that coordination between the two sides has reached advanced stages.
Minister Anjarani expressed aspirations to benefit from Qatar's advanced expertise in local administration and environment fields, particularly concerning the provision of local services, waste management, and urban planning.
He pointed out that the Ministry's situation upon assuming office was extremely difficult, as institutions were exhausted after years of war and suffering from significant administrative stagnation and weak clarity regarding tasks and authorities, noting that this negatively impacted the quality of services provided to citizens.
He stressed the necessity of restructuring the Ministry in a technical and professional manner, leveraging successful experiences from countries in the region to enable it to provide services that meet people's aspirations and consider their realities.
He underscored that the Ministry does not promise quick solutions but commits to transparency and diligent work. This transparency is practically reflected by keeping the local community informed about the details of local administration work and encouraging their active participation in decision-making and project implementation, he added.
Efforts are underway to enhance the principle of partnership between the society and local councils, he said, stressing that local administration should not be positioned above the people but should represent their aspirations.
Regarding strategic goals, the Minister explained that the Ministry follows a dual approach combining long-term strategic paths with phased paths addressing urgent needs, especially in affected areas. He noted the biggest challenge upon taking office was the absence of an accurate database detailing the needs of these areas, including damaged homes, infrastructure, transportation, and public services.
In this regard, he said that preparation of a comprehensive emergency database has begun, with approximately 90% completion achieved, which will enable the launch of effective interventions starting in June. These interventions will be supported by humanitarian organizations, government entities, and investment bodies, especially considering recent political changes and the lifting of some sanctions that had previously hindered the work of the Ministry and international institutions, he added.
He emphasized the Ministry's special focus on activating local councils and supporting civil society, explaining that the philosophy of local administration fundamentally relies on the society, which must be a genuine partner in development.
He highlighted that local councils will be able to provide direct services to the society, noting that this requires intensive training of personnel to ensure that these elected bodies operate professionally and efficiently.
Regarding the Ministry's restructuring, he clarified that the process was based on scientific principles, relying on modern studies and administrative approaches. He noted that the Ministry completed this task over the past 50 days and that the final vision and new organizational structure would be announced within one or two days. Implementation is expected to begin in early June, marking a new phase in the Ministry's work, he said.
He pointed out that the changes are not limited to administrative structures but also include simplifying procedures and automating services, stressing the need to change the prevailing perception of local administration as a complex bureaucratic entity.
The Minister said that the Ministry aims to simplify procedures, reduce costs, facilitate access to services, and move toward full automation of its government transactions, considering this part of Syria's broader digital governance strategy.
On the issue of performance efficiency in administrative units, he noted that these units face significant pressure as they have been burdened with responsibilities beyond their capacity without being provided with necessary tools and systems, pointing out that he Ministry is determined to empower these units by granting them necessary authorities and updating the governing systems to enable them to enter the path of actual local development instead of remaining trapped in crises.
About partnerships with the private sector, the Minister told QNA that such partnerships are not new and have practical applications, based on a balanced principle that preserves the independence of the public sector while accelerating development, emphasizing the need to expand these partnerships across various sectors of local administration, including transactions, investment, urban planning, and even in preparing regional organizational plans. He stressed that public entities will not be captive to the private sector, nor vice versa, considering these balances essential to achieving rapid and sustainable development.
The Syrian Minister also said that the Ministry operates on the principle of full transparency, emphasizing that work is not conducted behind closed doors, nor are surprising promises made. Instead, he said, the Ministry commits to speed in performance and professionalism in its work, and efforts to attract qualified cadres have begun and are ongoing.
Concluding his interview with QNA, the Minister of Local Administration and Environment of the Syrian Arab Republic said that the Ministry is entering a new phase characterized by transformation, efficiency, and openness, benefiting from international developments and increased support from regional partners, foremost among them the State of Qatar, in order to implement projects that enhance local stability and restore hope to affected areas. He promised that the coming months will bring tangible results on the ground in several fields.
