The Central Municipal Council (CMC) of Qatar has issued 93 recommendations addressing key public concerns during its current seventh tenure, with expectations of reaching 130 before the cycle concludes. These recommendations span critical areas like infrastructure, agriculture, and public health, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to improving quality of life for residents across all 29 constituencies. The CMC plays a vital role in Qatar’s governance structure, acting as an advisory body to the Ministry of Municipality and other government entities.
Chairman Mohammed bin Ali Al Athb recently highlighted the Council’s expanding influence and its dedication to national priorities. According to Al Athb, the CMC is focused on enhancing public services and fostering collaboration to address the evolving needs of Qatar’s population. The Council’s work is particularly relevant as Qatar continues to develop and implement its National Vision 2030.
Strengthening Municipal Services Through CMC Recommendations
A core function of the CMC is to identify areas for improvement in municipal services and forward actionable recommendations to the relevant authorities. The Council operates under Law No. 12 of 1998, which grants it responsibility over urban planning, environmental issues, agricultural development, and service infrastructure. This broad mandate allows the CMC to tackle a diverse range of challenges faced by communities throughout Qatar.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure Gaps
Traffic congestion, especially around schools, has been a recurring concern raised by residents and addressed by the CMC. The Council has urged for better school distribution in new residential areas and improvements to traffic planning to alleviate bottlenecks. Additionally, the CMC has focused on improving access to essential services along major highways like Salwa Road and Al-Shamal Road, coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to ensure convenient access to petrol stations and other roadside facilities.
Enhancing Green Spaces and Public Recreation
Recognizing the importance of public spaces for community well-being, the CMC has consistently advocated for the creation of more parks and recreational areas in residential neighborhoods. These proposals are regularly submitted to the Ministry of Municipality to ensure equitable access to green spaces across all districts. The Council’s initiatives also extend to improving existing recreational facilities, as seen in their collaboration with Aspire Zone to promote public health.
The Services and Public Facilities Committee is considered the backbone of the CMC, having held over 90 meetings with representatives from organizations like Ashghal, Kahramaa, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. These meetings facilitate direct dialogue and collaboration on critical infrastructure projects and service delivery.
Focus on Sustainability and Public Health
The CMC has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in supporting Qatar’s agricultural sector and promoting renewable energy. Members have proposed initiatives to enhance livestock wealth, expand the use of treated wastewater for irrigation, and advance the “One Million Trees Initiative” along key corridors like Salwa Road. These efforts aim to combat desertification, improve air quality, and enhance the overall climate.
Furthermore, the Council has actively addressed public health concerns, launching initiatives to combat smoking and recommending the establishment of smoking cessation clinics in health centers. A delegation’s visit to Japan to study advanced solar-energy practices led to recommendations for incorporating solar lighting into public parks and livestock complexes, reducing electricity consumption and promoting clean energy sources.
The Council also responded to public feedback regarding winter camping fees, successfully advocating for their reduction and simplification of security deposit procedures. This demonstrates the CMC’s responsiveness to the concerns of residents and its ability to influence policy changes.
The Coordination and Follow-Up Committee, chaired by the CMC President, plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of recommendations across various ministries and service entities. This committee, appointed by the Prime Minister, ensures accountability and facilitates progress on key initiatives.
As the seventh tenure of the Central Municipal Council nears its conclusion, the remaining recommendations are expected to be finalized and submitted to the relevant authorities. The impact of these recommendations on Qatar’s urban development, environmental sustainability, and public services will continue to be evaluated in the coming months. The effectiveness of the Council’s oversight role and the responsiveness of government agencies to its proposals will be key factors to watch as Qatar progresses towards its National Vision 2030.
Original Article
Central Municipal Council Website
Qatar National Vision 2030
