PM Masrour Barzani makes key decisions to address issues in Sulaimani, Halabja, Raparin, Garmian

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Following his visit to Sulaimani and Halabja provinces after June 30, 2024, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has announced several significant decisions aimed at addressing the concerns of local residents and administrative officials in these regions.

During his visit, he laid the foundation stone for a silo in Halabja and engaged in discussions with both officials and residents to understand their needs and challenges.

Sulaimani Province:

1. Addressing Employment and Administrative Imbalance

- Prime Minister Barzani approved the transfer and assignment of government employees across various sectors, excluding the Ministries of Peshmerga, Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research. This initiative allows governors of Sulaimani, Halabja, and the Independent Administrations of Garmian and Raparin to issue service transfer orders and assignments for a period of two years to address staffing imbalances.

- 177 contract employees were approved for employment across different offices, including legal employees for the Sulaimani governorate, surveyors for the General Directorate of Agriculture, and staff for the Sulaimani Municipality and International Airport.

2. Enhanced Authority for the Governor of Sulaimani

- The governor has been granted authority to allocate 30% of the province's revenue for small service projects and to send personnel on missions abroad for up to 30 days.

- Additional authority was given to the governor to utilize government halls free of charge for province-supported activities, determine contracting methods for projects up to one billion dinars, and manage budget advances, which have been increased significantly.

3. Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades

- The KRG approved the allocation of over 5 billion dinars for service projects, equipment, and supplies for various offices in Sulaimani.

- The General Directorate of Sulaimani International Airport will receive substantial funding for aviation surveys, X-ray equipment, firefighting vehicles, and service vehicles.

4. New Offices and Licensing Approvals

- The establishment of the Bazian Environmental Center was approved, along with the authorization for leasing and renewing gas stations in specific cities. The municipality of Tuwa Spi was transferred to the Sulaimani jurisdiction for improved services.

Halabja Province:

1. Revenue Allocation and Budget Increases

- The KRG approved the allocation of 20% of the revenue from Halabja's border gates to the provincial administration and increased budget advances for the province.

- Emergency spending authorities were granted to provincial and governorate offices.

2. Official Recognition and New Office Openings

- A request was sent to federal authorities to officially recognize the Sazan border crossing in Halabja, fulfilling a key demand from local officials.

- The establishment of the Halabja Customs Directorate was approved.

3. Employment and Vehicle Provision

- The KRG approved the hiring of 52 contract employees for various offices in Halabja and provided 23 vehicles for the provincial administration.

Independent Administration of Raparin:

1. Budget Enhancements

- Emergency expenditures and budget advances were significantly increased for the Independent Administration of Raparin, Ranya, and Pishdar districts.

2. Staffing and Vehicle Provision

- The KRG approved the employment of 43 contract employees in various specialties and provided 13 vehicles to support the administration and governorates.

Garmian Independent Administration:

1. Increased Budget Advances

- The advances and emergency expenditures for the Garmian administration were tripled, from 26 million to 78 million dinars.

2. Employment and Land Distribution

- The KRG approved the employment of 133 contract employees for various roles in Garmian and sent a letter to the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism to resolve land disputes involving plots known as "Box Land."

- Land will be provided to the heirs of martyrs, Anfal victims, political prisoners, and survivors of the Anfal campaign in areas outside the KRG's control.

3. Infrastructure and Licensing Approvals

- The KRG approved 39 projects to be transferred from the development budget to the investment budget of relevant ministries, as well as the issuance of licenses for three gas stations in Garmian.

These decisions reflect Prime Minister Barzani's commitment to addressing the needs of the citizens in Sulaimani, Halabja, Raparin, and Garmian, ensuring that the KRG continues to serve the people of these regions effectively.