Decentralisation key juncture in reform path — Masri

AMMAN — Decentralisation is among the advanced reform projects that need joint efforts from all stakeholders, mainly from the government, Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri said on Thursday.

Despite its “complex nature”, the decentralisation process will eventually succeed, Masri said during a dialogue meeting in Mughayr, called by Muneer Gharaibeh, member of Irbid's Governorate Council, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Friday.   

Touching on the economic situation, Masri noted that the Kingdom has faced economic hardships that were tougher than what it is experiencing now, underlining that overcoming the current situation could happen through identifying priorities and focusing on productive development projects that create jobs.

The Kingdom's municipalities, over the past five years, have received support estimated at JD500 million, which qualify them to lead the development process through setting up vital projects, the top official added. 

During the meeting attended by a number of deputies and mayors, as well as political and economic figures, Masri said that the ministry is seeking to expand its cooperation and partnership with the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR).

For his part, Gharaibeh said identifying the relations among the elected councils is key to success in the decentralisation process, as well as giving the councils “sufficient space” to practise their legislative roles, services and sponsorship activities.