Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has said as many as 1,187 decisions, representing about 15 percent of all decisions taken by the 284 municipal councils all over the Kingdom during 2017 have not been implemented.

It said the councils issued 7,975 decisions last year, out of which about 3,852 ,representing about 48.35 percent, were executed by the municipalities while 2,936, or 36.8 percent, were under implementation.

The ministry said the councils held 3,769 sessions, made 208 inspection tours of districts and hamlets and organized 104 gatherings and workshops.

The ministry said the councils were determined to carry out their close supervision on the municipalities in various regions so as to expand the participation of the citizens in the process of decision-making, provide the municipalities with ideas and suggestions, promote the services being extended to the citizens, boost development and upgrade the civic services being provided to the residents.

It said the councils approved plans and programs of the municipalities, oversaw the execution of the municipal projects and endorsed the budgets and closing accounts of the municipalities.

The ministry said the councils studied the residential and commercial plots within the radius of the municipality, decided appropriation of land for public projects, imposed municipal fees, set the conditions and parameters of public health and approved the establishment of new municipalities.

It said the councils also supervised the performance of the municipal sector and reviewed the reports presented by the municipalities on the progress of work in their projects.

The ministry said the councils also considered complaints raised by the citizens and expatriates against the inadequacy of various civic services.