Syria Grants Governors Direct Authority to Tackle Building Violations
In a move aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and curbing unauthorized urban sprawl, the Syrian government has decided to grant provincial governors broad authority to deal with building violations directly. Under the new mandate, designated as decision No. 14883 and announced by the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, internal oversight bodies within the ministry, governorates, and technical services directorates are now empowered to conduct audits and field investigations into violation files as soon as they occur.
These measures are part of the state’s broader effort to simplify bureaucratic procedures and accelerate the resolution of issues related to construction violations on-site, moving away from reliance on lengthy administrative cycles. The decision authorizes governors to approve the findings of audits and investigations and subsequently refer violators directly to the relevant judiciary for legal action. This scope of accountability extends to all involved parties, ranging from property owners to contractors and site supervisors, ensuring that the specific responsibilities of each individual are clearly defined.
The decision includes a specific exception for cases involving clear criminal offenses as defined by the General Penal Code or the Economic Penal Code. In such instances, all reports and documentation must be referred to the Central Agency for Control and Inspection for review and approval according to established legal procedures, thereby ensuring procedural integrity in cases of a criminal nature.
This development complements ongoing efforts initiated by a committee within the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment tasked with reviewing Legislative Decree No. 40 of 2012. During the month of July, the committee finalized comprehensive technical schedules for classifying violations and establishing standards for handling them. These measures are primarily intended to protect structural safety and safeguard the regulatory master plans of Syrian cities and administrative units. The new procedures serve as a tool to improve urban oversight and halt the random expansion that negatively impacts infrastructure and the visual landscape of residential areas.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
