JEDDAH, 25 October 2003 — A meeting of regional governors in Abha has advised the government to expand popular participation in development activities by opening new channels at regional councils for proposals from citizens.
“The meeting proposed to expand the base of popular participation in managing development by opening new channels at regional councils,” a communiqué issued after the two-day meeting said.
The meeting, which was chaired by Interior Minister Prince Naif, said such channels were essential to receive proposals of citizens and “let them known that they are part and parcel of the development process.” The proposal comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia will hold elections to the Shoura and regional councils within the next three years. The government has already announced plans to conduct partial polls for municipal councils within a year.
Prince Naif urged the governors to expedite public matters, remove the obstacles facing businesses and guide Saudis to become true citizens of the country.
The Abha meeting, which was attended by the governors of 13 regions discussed security issues including means of preventing infiltration of foreigners into the country.
Prince Naif urged the governors to delegate some of their powers to the heads of administrative units under them to reduce their burden and speed up procedures.
On the issue of infiltration, the meeting stressed the need to strengthen border security, the Passports Department and administrative units in the border regions by providing them with more manpower and material support.
The meeting also studied a report on the work ethic in government departments and decided to provide training to employees at the Interior Ministry and governorates. The meeting called for the appointment of representatives of ministries and government departments to regional councils. The communiqué said the meeting also suggested that regional councils be given additional powers to boost development in agriculture, industry and other areas. It also advised to set up databases in all regions.
