ACCORDING to global norms, governors are the local leaders of their governorates. Besides privileges, they have responsibilities.
They oversee the operations within their governorate, keep tabs on all issues, and manage local security by leading the police and fire departments.
In many countries, governors have the authority to implement certain measures, such as imposing levies on specific roads or issuing citations for violations. These are some of the responsibilities that are widely accepted as part of their role.
Governors also have the power to propose initiatives to the central government aimed at benefiting their governorate. They can develop plans to improve infrastructure, and organize festivals and events to promote trade, industry, and tourism within their governorate.
Governors and governorate councils have many responsibilities, not only toward the local community but also toward the leadership and government of the state.
One of their main obligations is to contribute to the national treasury, particularly in countries that host local festivals and events. Any revenue exceeding the governorate’s immediate needs is transferred to the state treasury and recorded as a surplus, which can be used when required.
There are several examples of what a governor can do in practice. In the UK, for instance, the Mayor of London plays a vital role in managing the capital. The mayor is responsible for setting plans, strategies, and policies for the city and the surrounding areas within the jurisdiction.
He oversees a huge budget to manage essential services, including transportation, police, and fire services, while also working to boost the local economy, and he represents London both locally and internationally.
In Kuwait, we previously discussed the responsibilities of governors. Today, we have a group of governors whose qualifications and experience suggest they can deliver strong results for the state.
These governors have the potential to make significant contributions and meaningful changes in their governorates, and work toward their development, given their expertise in the tasks they have already undertaken. They can also propose new initiatives, such as adjusting service rates, to promote growth in their areas.
For example, they could impose levies on large palaces that waste resources like water and electricity among other things that place a burden on public finances. By doing so, they would not only alleviate pressure on public services but also contribute to strengthening public finances.
In many countries around the world, governors compete to promote the beauty and organization of their governorates, and are not satisfied with the protocol.
There is much work to be done today, and everyone must contribute, especially executive officials, who need to work tirelessly to repair the damages caused by the political chaos fueled by the interventions of lawmakers, their supporters, and powerful individuals who have even attempted to strip authority from administrative employees.
Furthermore, the role of the governor has been reduced to little more than that of a supervisor in a diwaniya, rather than a local leader with a wide range of responsibilities and powers.
It is necessary for everyone to think outside the box and let go of the preconceived ideas shaped by decades of political turmoil. For fifty years, conflicts over positions and management have allowed influential individuals and parliamentarians to carve out pieces of the national cake. But now, Kuwait is entering a new era, which requires development in all forms.
