The municipal authorities of Boké, Guinea, recently held a meeting with the Regional Chamber of Commerce and market traders to discuss the management of municipal shops. The meeting, chaired by Mayor Bassekou Amirou Dramé, was attended by numerous traders from various markets in the city, including 400 Bâtiments (Yomboya), Hangar (Khougnewadé 2), and Tamakènè (Baralandé). The main topic of discussion was the situation of municipal shops whose lease contracts have expired.
According to the municipal authorities, several occupants of these shops continue to operate without honoring their contractual obligations, resulting in a loss of revenue for the municipality. The authorities also used the meeting to clarify rumors about the introduction of new monthly fees for traders. A rumor had circulated that traders would be required to pay 50,000 GNF per month for stall space and 500,000 GNF per month for shops. However, the municipal authorities formally denied these claims, stating that no tariffs had been fixed at that time.
The municipal authorities emphasized that any decisions regarding new fees would be made by the Communal Council during a future ordinary session. In the meantime, the municipality has invited all shop owners, including those located near the Maison des jeunes and the port area of Baguidéra, to come to the municipal office with a copy of their old contract to examine renewal modalities. This move aims to regularize the situation of the 573 municipal shops in Boké, which are spread across different markets and areas.
The meeting was seen as an opportunity for the municipal authorities to engage with traders and address their concerns. Mayor Bassekou Amirou Dramé emphasized the importance of finding a mutually beneficial solution. The municipal authorities are keen to ensure that traders are aware of their obligations and that the municipality receives its due revenue from shop rentals.
The municipal authorities have reassured traders that they will not be required to pay any new fees until a decision is made by the Communal Council. This clarification aims to alleviate concerns among traders who had been worried about the potential financial impact of the rumored fees. By engaging with traders and providing clear information, the municipal authorities hope to maintain a positive relationship with the business community.
The situation of municipal shops in Boké highlights the challenges faced by municipalities in managing public infrastructure. The case of Boké is not unique, as many municipalities in Guinea face similar challenges in collecting revenue from public assets. The municipal authorities' efforts to regularize the situation of municipal shops in Boké may serve as a model for other municipalities in the country.
The municipal authorities have urged traders to cooperate and provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the renewal of their contracts. By working together, the municipal authorities and traders can find a solution that benefits both parties. The municipal authorities have also emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of municipal shops.
Key points
- Municipal authorities in Boké, Guinea, have met with traders to discuss the management of municipal shops and clarify rumored new fees.
- The authorities have denied claims of new monthly fees for traders, stating that no tariffs have been fixed.
- The municipality aims to regularize the situation of 573 municipal shops in Boké, ensuring that traders are aware of their obligations and that the municipality receives its due revenue.
