The municipality of Cotonou, Benin, has initiated a three-day open day event, which started on October 28, to foster a closer relationship with its citizens. The event, themed "Cotonou 2033, the city we want to build together," aims to provide citizens with a platform to learn about municipal services, share their concerns, and contribute to the city's development. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and involve citizens in the transformation of their city.
The open day event, which will run until October 30, features activities organized at the city hall, in 13 districts, and on the Radio Cotonou site. Citizens can visit exhibition stands to learn about the municipality's services and engage directly with municipal officials and elected representatives. According to Arlette Saïzonou, the first deputy mayor, this initiative is crucial for promoting good governance and giving citizens an active role in shaping their city's future.
The event's theme, "Cotonou 2033," invites citizens to contribute to the city's development vision, focusing on creating a modern, inclusive, and resilient city. This vision aligns with the municipality's 2026-2036 mandate and aims to engage citizens in the decision-making process. Saïzonou emphasized that the city's development should not be solely the responsibility of the municipal administration but a collective effort involving citizens' aspirations, proposals, and experiences.
Olivier Tobossi, the municipality's director of information systems, highlighted the need for accessible and transparent municipal administration. He explained that the open day event seeks to inform citizens about municipal services, gather their expectations, and prioritize their concerns. A new mechanism for collecting citizen feedback and suggestions has been established to improve municipal services.
The decentralization of activities across the city aims to encourage participation from a broader audience. By hosting events in various districts and on the Radio Cotonou site, the municipality hopes to engage citizens beyond the central administrative area. This approach is expected to facilitate a more inclusive and representative dialogue.
The open day event is also an opportunity for citizens to provide input on municipal services, local priorities, and desired improvements. The municipality has invited various groups, including youth, women, artisans, taxi-moto drivers, economic operators, and associations, to participate in the initiative. By engaging with citizens, the municipality aims to make dialogue a concrete tool for governance.
The success of the open day event will be measured by the level of citizen engagement and the impact of the feedback collected on municipal decision-making. The municipality's commitment to transparency and citizen participation is expected to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the municipal administration, ultimately contributing to the development of a more responsive and inclusive city.
Key points
- The Cotonou municipality's open day event aims to promote transparency and citizen participation in the city's development.
- The event provides a platform for citizens to learn about municipal services and contribute to the city's development vision.
- The initiative aligns with the municipality's 2026-2036 mandate, focusing on creating a modern, inclusive, and resilient city.
