Latakia Governor Muhammad Othman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the war-torn province and restoring essential services following years of mismanagement and corruption. In an interview with Syria TV, Othman outlined plans for infrastructure repair, economic revitalization, and security stabilization, emphasizing the importance of civil peace in the region.
Rebuilding Infrastructure & Services
Othman acknowledged the severe deterioration of Latakia’s infrastructure, which he attributed to years of corruption and neglect under the previous administration. He stressed that the local government’s priority is restoring basic services such as electricity, water, and roads. “We are now putting the wheel on the right track, and we hope to be able to gradually improve services,” he said.
Efforts are underway to modernize Latakia’s water and electricity networks, which have suffered from frequent failures due to poor maintenance and mismanagement. The governor also highlighted ongoing initiatives to regulate transportation, control fare prices, and reduce traffic congestion through future improvements in public transport.
Economic Recovery & Investment
In his remarks, Othman underlined the need to attract investments to rejuvenate the local economy. The administration is working to create a business-friendly environment by easing customs restrictions at ports and removing bureaucratic obstacles.
Another key challenge facing Latakia is the large number of displaced persons from Jabal Turkmen and Jabal Akrad, areas that have sustained significant damage in recent years. Othman emphasized that reconstruction efforts include rehabilitating schools, health centers, and other essential public facilities to accommodate displaced residents.
Fighting Corruption & Restructuring Institutions
Othman was candid about the systemic corruption that plagued the previous administration, which he said led to inefficiency and favoritism in government institutions. As part of the restructuring process, efforts are being made to ensure competent officials are appointed to key positions while preventing bribery and administrative malpractice.
The governor also revealed that state-owned properties previously controlled by figures from the ousted regime have been reclaimed for public use. These measures, he noted, are part of an effort to redistribute public wealth more fairly.
Security and Stability in Latakia
Addressing recent security concerns, Othman emphasized that restoring stability is a top priority. He confirmed that security forces had been deployed to prevent further unrest, alongside the activation of a camera surveillance system to monitor both urban and rural areas.
The governor disclosed that security campaigns are ongoing to apprehend remnants of the ousted regime suspected of attempting to destabilize the region. He noted that authorities have already arrested several former leaders involved in past conflicts. While acknowledging that some former military and security personnel have been included in settlement agreements, he stressed that individuals implicated in war crimes or human rights violations would be prosecuted.
Promoting Civil Peace and Reconciliation
In a gesture of reconciliation, Othman visited Umm Ayman Rayhan, a mother who lost three sons in the recent clashes between security forces and armed groups. Accompanied by Hassan Soufan of the Supreme Committee for Civil Peace and Iyad al-Hazza, the director of the governorate’s political office, the governor offered his condolences and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies.
“The next phase requires everyone’s solidarity,” Othman stated, calling on Latakia’s residents to contribute to the province’s reconstruction efforts. He emphasized that government institutions remain open to public input, underscoring the shared responsibility of rebuilding a stable and prosperous Latakia.
