Cotonou Mayor Luc Gnacadja has revealed the city's 2027 budget, totaling 72.4 billion FCFA. The budget marks a significant shift, with over 74% of funds allocated to investments. This move aims to address the concerns of citizens, gathered during a series of meetings in the city's 13 districts. The mayor has emphasized the importance of transparency, promising quarterly updates on the budget's implementation.
The budget was adopted unanimously by the Communal Council, marking the first step in the "Cotonou 2026-2033: Changing Scale" project. Mayor Gnacadja expressed gratitude to council members for their vote of confidence. The budget reflects the priorities identified by citizens, including improved lighting, road infrastructure, and social amenities. A total of 38 priorities were identified, with each assigned to a municipal administration official.
A significant allocation of 1 billion FCFA has been made for solar lighting, while over 1.2 billion FCFA will be spent on road infrastructure. The budget also includes funds for new classrooms, completion of stalled construction projects, and provision of school facilities. Furthermore, studies are underway to prepare for major infrastructure projects in 2028 and 2029, including construction of collectors, paving, and development of the Saint-Michel market.
Mayor Gnacadja has assured citizens that at least one visible action will be taken in each district by 2027. The mayor has also emphasized a change in approach, focusing on investment and efficiency. The budget for investments has increased by 47.54%, while operational expenses have decreased by 6.44%. The city will borrow funds for development projects, but not for operational costs.
To ensure accountability, Mayor Gnacadja has requested an audit of the city's non-tax revenues by the Inspection générale des finances. The audit's 48 recommendations will be implemented to ensure that all collected funds are used for the city's benefit. The mayor has also promised to provide regular updates to citizens, with quarterly reports on the budget's implementation.
Mayor Gnacadja has clarified that not all projects can be completed within a year, and that some demands fall under the purview of the national government. He has assured citizens that he will personally advocate for these projects and provide regular updates on progress. The mayor has emphasized that the budget belongs to the citizens, and that their concerns have been translated into concrete actions.
The mayor has called on citizens to engage actively in the city's development, ensuring that the change of scale is felt in every neighborhood. With a focus on transparency and accountability, the 2027 budget aims to bring about tangible improvements in the lives of Cotonou's residents. The mayor's commitment to regular updates and citizen engagement is seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The 2027 budget for Cotonou is 72.4 billion FCFA, with over 74% allocated to investments.
- The budget aims to address citizen concerns, including improved lighting, road infrastructure, and social amenities.
- Mayor Gnacadja has promised quarterly updates on the budget's implementation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
