The draft budget of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, MINATD, amounts to FCFA 32.3 billion. Compared to FCFA 29.6 billion for the 2011 financial year, the draft budget records an increase of FCFA 2 billion. Recurrent expenditure is FCFA 25.8 billion while FCFA 6.5 billion is for capital investment in the 2012 financial year.
Defending the budget on Wednesday November 23, Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, told members of the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly that the budget will enable his ministry continue activities such as modernisation of territorial administration, enhancement of the decentralisation process, strengthening of civil protection measures and operational capacity, and the enhancement of governance.
The year 2012 will also be an election year as the terms of office of members of parliament and municipal councillors elected in the twin elections of July 22 2007, will expire. Concerning MINATD’s role, Minister Marafa Yaya was very clear. “Alongside other State services, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, as provided for by law, intends, firstly, to provide the support and assistance needed for the smooth conduct of the elections. Secondly, to ensure, with the greatest care, the maintenance of law and order and the preservation of social peace before, during and after the electoral process,” explained Minister Marafa Yaya. Besides making decentralisation operational, other key activities in 2012 will include ensuring security at the borders and improving the working conditions of staff in both central and external services.
The Minister also announced the continuation of reforms in the national civil status, games of chance and chieftaincy institutions. “We will pursue the cleansing of private security companies, arms and ammunition stores as well as civil society organisations and associations,” he said.
