حلقة #الساحة_الحوارية: صوت المحافظة حول دور المجالس البلدية #بادر

Episode Overview

The episode examined how municipal councils can serve as a channel for community concerns and contribute to development in Oman’s Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate. The guests described councils as partners in setting development priorities, proposing projects, conveying residents’ needs to government bodies, and monitoring implementation.

Their work includes supervisory, economic, and preventive roles, supported by cooperation among council members, the governor, and executive agencies.

Social Affairs Committee

Dr. Sabra Al-Aufi outlined the Social Affairs Committee’s role in studying social needs and proposing initiatives to improve quality of life. The committee identifies priorities through community feedback, field visits, statistics, research, and consultation with specialists. It then submits recommendations and follows up with relevant authorities.

Examples of the committee’s work included studies on:

• Job seekers and household consumer habits
• Electronic payment use by shop owners
• Divorce and public-council standards
• Council members’ training needs
• Community initiatives and accessibility for people with disabilities

The committee also turns residents’ comments and complaints into proposals for institutional discussion and action.

Challenges and Suggested Improvements

The speakers noted several challenges, including varied needs across states, social issues involving multiple agencies, gaps in current data, funding constraints, and the need for sustained coordination. They argued that social challenges require ongoing institutional cooperation—not isolated decisions or one-off initiatives.

Suggested improvements included more direct community engagement, stronger use of data and indicators, state-specific records of needs and recommendations, and clearer monitoring of implementation and impact.

Development and Community Representation

The discussion stressed that development should be judged by its effect on people, not only by visible infrastructure. Residents increasingly expect councils to support employment and local businesses, create added value, and make use of each governorate’s economic and tourism strengths.

Candidates, the speakers said, should understand their responsibilities and legal powers and be prepared to represent community priorities. Voters, in turn, shape the council’s effectiveness by choosing capable representatives.

Presenters and Contributors

• Youssef — Presenter
• Hilal bin Badr Al-Rashidi — Guest
• Dr. Sabra bint Hamad bin Salem Al-Aufi — Guest
• Fatima bint Mohammed Al-Barashdiya — Sign-language interpreter