TEHRAN – Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said here on Friday that eradicating poverty in south Tehran is on the top of the Tehran Municipality’s agenda.

At a gathering of members of the city’s district councils, Qalibaf promised to grant sweeping authority to the district councils, saying that special focus must be placed on the slums since there is a great economic difference between the northern and southern parts of the city.

The Municipality attaches great significance to the interests and demands of citizens and adjusts its policies accordingly, the mayor explained.

He went on to say that local residents should participate in the decision-making process in their districts since this would help reduce social problems and bureaucracy.

Qalibaf also called on the members of the district councils to make optimal use of their mosques, houses, and schools.