Deir Hafar Civil Council launches public institutions in City

Deir Hafar, located 52 km east of Aleppo, was controlled by the Baath regime in 2017 following the expulsion of ISIS. After the fall of the former regime in December 2024, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) entered the city. 

In recent months, the Autonomous Administration in Tabqa Canton established a Civil Council to oversee the city’s organizational and service affairs. The council formed 66 communes, opened two municipalities, and reopened schools and public service institutions, including the restoration of drinking water, to provide essential services to the population.

Adnan Muhammad, co-chair of the Deir Hafar Civil Council, stated that the SDF had been administering the city until the local population assumed responsibility for self-governance following the council’s establishment on March 1, 2025.

He explained that since its creation, the council has established 66 communes, each led by co-chairs elected by residents of their respective neighborhoods, tasked with managing local affairs, receiving public complaints, and submitting service needs to the council for discussion and action.

Muhammad noted that the council has been conducting a preliminary census in preparation for distributing heating fuel cards, with the process expected to begin within 15 days, provided no obstacles arise.

He also announced the formation of two municipalities — one in Deir Hafar city and another in the village of Al-Ma‘moura. However, their official operations depend on securing essential machinery such as loaders, trucks, and tractors. These municipalities will handle waste collection, removal of unlicensed street vendors, urban organization, market regulation, and the installation of 450 solar-powered lighting units as an alternative energy source.

Regarding infrastructure, Muhammad revealed that the sewage network in the city is over 40 years old, despite being designed to last only 14 years, prompting the council to prepare a comprehensive plan to replace networks in several neighborhoods.

A project has also been proposed to extend a 450-meter-long, 160-mm water line to support the northern side of the city, where residents face weak water flow.

To enhance public services, the municipalities are seeking to acquire new equipment, including a fire truck, water tanker, waste and sewage compactors, a passenger van, and four tractors with trailers and dumpers, to enable effective execution of municipal duties.

In support of local markets, Muhammad said the council will reactivate 22 shops in the vegetable wholesale market (Souq al-Hal) and implement road paving projects, including 1,100 meters of asphalt in the market road and 1,300 meters along the Aleppo–Raqqa highway.

In the utilities sector, a Water Office has been established under the People’s Municipality, alongside a new Electricity Institution that will start a 20 km medium-voltage power line connecting the Masaken Cattle Station to Al-Ma‘moura Municipality, as part of efforts to link the city to the main electricity grid.

In the education sector, a Teaching Complex has been created to organize the educational process and oversee schools in the city and surrounding villages. The complex has appointed 75 teachers and currently accommodates 1,265 students attending regular classes.

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ANHA