On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the 14th of October revolution:High hopes in Aden’s new governor [Archives:2003/676/Opinion]

By Abdulaziz Mohamed Abdullah
Aden City
The months of September, October, and November of every year are the time in which all the classes resembling the people of Yemen celebrate the country's national and official holidays.
If the 26th of September of every year is celebrated and remembered as the day when the revolution in the northern part of the country succeeded in 1962 in ousting the ruthless and backward Imamate regime, then the 14th of October of every year is also celebrated for ending decades of British colonial rule in the south in 1963. The occasion marks the day when the spark of the revolution started at the mountains of Radfan and triggered the emotions of millions of Yemenis to rid the country of the occupiers who ruled the country for almost 139 years. The happiness was indescribable when the people were able to join hands and result in the departure of the last British soldier on the 30th of November 1967.
This year's celebrations on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the 14th of October revolution, which also coincides with the 41st anniversary of the 26th of September revolution, has come in a time the governorate of Aden is ambitious for a prosperous future, especially as the governorate is now being led by Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi, who is known for his honesty, excellent reputation, faithfulness, and dedication in work.
This occasion could be a special drive for Al-Shuaibi to enhance the city of Aden, whose potentials are yet to be exploited. There are already significant signs of development in the horizon. Those signs started to appear when Dr. Al-Shuaibi emphasized on the priority of enhancing the standard of living of the poor and his focus on civil services and cleanliness especially in traditional markets in different districts of the governorate.
He also expressed his commitment to evaluate and enhance the level of public health and educational services. He also pledged to improve the city's streets and having them maintained.
However, I would like to add that there are also several issues that need to be taken care of and stressed upon. Among those issues are:
– Eradicating corruption gradually, especially as it has unfortunately spread to all public sectors in Aden as well as in the rest of the country. This cannot happen unless the other public authorities reacted positively to his efforts including the Central Organization of Control and Audit, which should have a central role in this respect.
– Removal of all obstacles hindering investments in the governorate. Efforts should be made to provide the ideal investment environment to attract investors from Yemen and the world. This can be achieved by stopping middlemen, corrupt officials, and those who use their authority power to gain illegal finances. There should be a direct channel linking investors to the supreme authorities in Aden to notify them of any problems they may face and work immediately on resolving them. Starting investments in various fields in Aden will be instrumental for the governorate in providing job opportunities and limiting poverty and unemployment.
– Speeding up the efforts in the construction of the industrial zone, which is to be established in the Aden, Lahj, Abyan triangle, and which is expected to officially start by laying the foundation stone on the occasion of this year's 14th of October Revolution anniversary. The project will have a significant effect in the field of development and industry.
– Activating the local councils of the governorate, which are supposed to be the authorities responsible for helping in the development of the governorate in the grassroots and community levels and should hence help improve lives of the poor and vulnerable
I personally believe that the celebration to take place this week in Aden, more of being an opportunity to hail our achievements and remember those who sacrificed their souls for their country, is an opportunity for us to look at the future with an open eye and mind. Our governor can seize this opportunity to bring the governorate of Aden its glorious past to become the economic and trade capital of Yemen in the true sense. This cannot be achieved unless all those faithful citizens of the country join hands and work together in harmony along with Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi to bring a better future to Aden.
I have great hopes in our new governor, whom I believe will live up to expectations and bring the interest of the governorate to the forefront ahead of any narrow self-centered interests.
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[archive-e:676-v:13-y:2003-d:2003-10-13-p:opinion]