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New Taiz governor: I asked Hadi to give me full control over security
Shawqi Hayel
President Hadi appointed Hayel by decree on April 6 to be the new governor of Taiz, after security had deteriorated in the city leading to many deaths and incidents of robbery. Monday was Hayel’s first day as governor.
The protesting soldiers have had their salaries withheld since opposing former president Saleh, and siding with the revolution. They were happy that the new governor had shown an interest in their complaints, and that he had promised to resolve them.
Also on Monday Hayel presided over a meeting with all the governorship employees. During the meeting they discussed a range of important issues.
In a speech, Hayel said,“President Hadi showed exceptional interest in Taiz governorate, and described it as the hub of Yemen’s culture and history. He said that its stability will be reflected onto Yemen.”
“Hadi promised that Taiz will not be marginalized again, and that it will witness development in a way that’s commensurate with its historic status, stressing that he would give me all authority to enable me to develop the governorate,” he continued.
Hayel said that the initial priorities will concentrate on restoring security, and improving the education and health sectors.
“We will do our best to make Taiz an ideal governorate in all fields. We will follow up on all approved strategic development projects, such as water desalination, the medical city, sports city, Faculty of Medicine and its hospital. We will also work to finish the projects of developing Mocha Port and the airport,” added Hayel.
Hayel said he would be paying a visit to the donor countries to make sure that the funding for the aforementioned projects goes smoothly and as scheduled.
“I have accepted this post after making the condition that the political leadership gives me all the necessary authority in the governorate, especially over the security apparatus, in order to be able to restore security and order. And that all mediations and commandments which were imposed upon the previous governors, be prohibited,” he said.
“We will open up an office at the gate of the governorship building which will be designed to receive complaints from the people,” promised Shawqi. He stressed that all complaints would be responded to within 24 hours as they will be distributed to deputies, and deputy assistants in a way that ensures there will be no procrastination,” added Shawqi.
He concluded his speech by urging everyone to work together with a team spirit in order to restore security and stability, and to support the strategic projects in order to build the city that all of Taiz residents dream of.
