Cabinet discusses preparations for implementing 2016 development and services programs

Damascus – The Cabinet discussed in its weekly session on Tuesday a number of services and economic issues, including the readiness of various sectors to implement the development and services programs scheduled for 2016, preparations to deal with any emergencies resulting from weather, and the state of electricity and drinking water in Aleppo province.

Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi said the government is working to repair the power lines in Aleppo which are coming under attack by terrorists, and that 2016 is the year of improving the economic, services, and social indicators that have suffered drops due to the war in a manner that achieves real development instead of means that cause depletion and raise deficits, SANA reported.

 The Premier also asserted the government’s commitment to bolstering relations with friendly countries to alleviate the effects of the economic embargo, and that the citizen will always be the focal point of all steps taken by the government.

He said that 2015 marked a major shift in the course of the crisis, with the Syrian Arab Army and the forces assisting it turning the tables on the ground and foiling plots against the country.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Local Administration Minister Omar Ghalawanji reviewed the efforts being made to alleviate any negative repercussions of the recent rain and snow fall, asserting that the health sector in Aleppo is normal and that there are no health concerns there.