Civic councils ‘should help appoint mayors’

JEDDAH: The country’s newly elected municipal councils should have a say in selecting mayors and secretaries general of cities, participants at a Municipal Councils Forum suggested on Thursday.
They proposed that the councils should compile a list of nominees and send it to the Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry for approval, a local publication reported.
Meanwhile, the participants suggested that the ministry work out a mechanism to monitor the performance of council members, to ensure they fulfill their mandate.
They further recommended that all council members undergo training as soon as they are elected, to have the skills needed for proper delivery of services to citizens.
They said that it was also important for the government to ensure that all the business of current councils are documented and then passed on to newly elected members. This would ensure continuity in terms of service delivery. In addition, all councils should have annual forums to share expertise.
Participants said a list of rules should be drawn up to provide a framework for the selection of members who would be appointed. This should be sent to the ministry. 
They added that the government should ensure that the Public Administration Institute continues to conduct studies on the developmental challenges facing councils. The results should be sent to councils for further discussion.
The participants said that it was important for councils to communicate regularly with the media and ensure they outline clearly what services need to be implemented.
Discussions also took place on the role of municipal councils. Jadee bin Nahar Al-Qahtani, head of the executive committee for the election of municipal councils, said members have to pass bylaws and monitor the implementation of services.
He said current and previous municipal councils faced several challenges because their functions were not clearly spelt out. There was also not good communication between various local government agencies.
He said this time the councils would have greater and independent powers, and would be linked directly to the minister of municipal and rural affairs. This includes approving the municipal budget and signing off on programs and plans. They would have oversight over maintenance, development and investment projects, and municipal services.
Jamal Khashoggi, director of Al-Arab channel, said it was important for council members to communicate effectively with the media so that citizens are aware of what is being done for them. He said there is often a breakdown in communication between journalists and municipal bodies.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/801826