Municipal councils are the main element of local governance and development, said Mohsen Al No’mani, former minister of local development.

He informed Daily News Egypt that these councils link local communities with the government, thereby there should be a legislative frame which provides them with required authorities, in order for there not to have advisory councils as is the case under the current law.

“I came across the final draft of the law, and I think it is better than the current one. It can achieve the required integration among all concerned bodies to establish a focal point between local communities and the government. Yet, it requires urgent amendments in other related laws, such as urbanised allotments, governorate border laws, tender and bidding laws, as well as housing laws, in a way that can drive the new law to work smoothly,” Al No’mani said.

The new law is expected to be applied this year as it will be followed by holding municipal council elections which can play a key role in the economic development of governorates and the entire Egyptian economy, he indicated.

Al No’mani pointed out that the absence of these councils adds to the burden of the government’s responsibilities, especially in terms of financing, and obstructs the state from completing megaprojects.