Puntland’s government has convened a conference of 36 district mayors in Garowe to advance its decentralization and good governance agenda.
The conference, opened by Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugator, marks a crucial milestone in the region’s efforts to empower local administrations. Puntland Minister of Interior Abdi Juhaa emphasized the importance of the meeting, highlighting the government’s long-standing goal of decentralizing administrative services.
The initiative will initially focus on six districts: Baran, Dhahar, Ufeyn, Iskushuban, Baargaal, and Dangoroyo. These districts will transition from centralized control to more autonomous local governance, building on previous pilot programs in Qardho, Garowe, Bosaso, and Galkayo.
Currently, district administrations have limited control over essential services. Hospital directors and school principals are appointed directly by the central government in Garowe, a practice the new decentralization program aims to change.
Minister Juhaa outlined the primary goals of the conference:
- Evaluate the progress of existing pilot districts
- Discuss challenges in implementing decentralization
- Develop strategies to improve local service delivery
- Empower local councils and district administrations
““The advice has been handed over to you, the local councils have been elected, the government is yours, but there are still many obstacles to effective service delivery,” Juhaa stated. “This meeting is expected to address these challenges and find solutions.”
The conference represents a significant step towards more responsive and locally accountable governance in Puntland, potentially setting a model for administrative reform in the region.
HORSEED MEDIA
