Philippe Camille Akoa faces Senators

The CEO of Special Capital Development Fund and Inter-operation (FEICOM), Philippe Camille Akoa, was summoned by Senators to explain the modalities of support structure for decentralized local authorities yesterday, at Palais des Congrès.

The meeting was open and straightforward. Invited by the Senate for a workshop, the Dg of FEICOM was subject to a question and answer period at the end of her occasional speech. For over three hours, more than 20 senators questioned her to understand the work and missions of the ‘Bank of Commons’.

The criteria for the allocation of additional municipal Cents (ACC)

Some senators like Charles Salé, believed that "the distribution of ACC should consider the terrain of the municipality, distances and not just on the size of the population."

Philippe Camille Akoa explained that deliberation was underway to improve ACC allocation criteria while also considering "a new Local Development Index which will reveal the state of regional and local authorities to ration the effects of different interventions on improving their level of development."

On monitoring the use of funds granted.

That was the major concern of Senator Simon Achu Achidi who wanted to know how FEICOM controlled the resources available to the municipalities.

“For now, the only strategy by the body is to withhold payment if the work is not done properly. The state has various instruments (General Inspection Service, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Accounting Chamber, Higher State Control, etc) to ensure the proper management of FEICOM funds meant for public funding,” responded Philippe Camille Akoa.

About how to obtain funding

The DG reminded Camille Akoa to grant a fund of FCFA 30 million to communities. "But beyond that, it is the Committee on Financial challenges, where mayors and sector ministries are represented and decides to support. However, since 2006, everything has been put in place for each region to receive a something from FEICOM,” said Philippe Camille Akoa.