Baghdad: The Governor of Baghdad, Atwan al-Atwani, has announced a new plan aimed at addressing inefficiencies within municipal services and enhancing local revenue generation. The initiative, labeled as a "municipal course correction" plan, will incorporate a monthly evaluation system intended to assess the performance of service departments and hold accountable those responsible for any deficiencies.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the governorate outlined that al-Atwani presided over a significant meeting attended by key officials, including the Director of Baghdad Municipalities, Yasser Amjad, and the Director of al-Mahmoudiya Municipality. The gathering focused on identifying the major challenges impacting services and devising strategic solutions to tackle these issues.
The statement highlighted that the plan's core feature involves regular evaluations of each municipal department, with monthly meetings set to review progress and address any shortcomings. The initiative also aims to increase revenue collection, eliminate extortion practices, and establish precise legal frameworks to boost non-visual financial resources. The governor underscored the necessity for revenue collection to adhere strictly to legal standards and emphasized the importance of preventing extortion.
Further discussions at the meeting revolved around improving management strategies, requiring municipalities to submit monthly reports on operational activities, and providing legal protection for officials. The governor committed to supporting municipal directors against administrative violations and external pressures to foster an environment conducive to decisive action.
The meeting also covered pressing issues such as waste management, environmental concerns, encroachments, and informal settlements. It addressed the need for scientific approaches to waste disposal, monitoring cleaning schedules, and managing land use and urban development. Additionally, the plan includes expediting building permit processes, completing infrastructure surveys, and resolving challenges related to the allocation of residential land.
The governor concluded by emphasizing the necessity for collaborative efforts and effective resource utilization to significantly improve service delivery. He announced that the next meeting would entail a thorough review of submitted reports, complaints, and proposed solutions.