In a ceremony presided over by Prefect Bénisan-Tétévi Datè, twenty-three executive bureaus of Village Development Committees (CVDs) were installed in the Lacs 3 commune, specifically in the cantons of Agbodrafo and Gbodjomé. The event, which took place on October 30 in Agbodrafo, the commune's capital, brought together local authorities, traditional leaders, representatives of deconcentrated state services, civil society organizations, associations, and the local population.
These committees were established following a renewal process that ran from May to July, in accordance with the regulations governing the setup of Base Development Committees (CDBs). The CVDs, composed of members elected for a three-year term, renewable once, are tasked with serving as a framework for mobilization, citizen participation, and implementation of grassroots development actions.
The committees' primary mission is to identify village and neighborhood development problems, foster a spirit of participation among the population in local development, and mobilize local energies to address identified issues collectively. They will also act as an interface between localities and development partners, elaborating village action plans, identifying priority needs, and contributing to the realization of micro-projects for the benefit of their communities.
Prefect Bénissan-Tétévi Datè congratulated the new committee members on their engagement in community development, emphasizing their roles, responsibilities, and relationships with village chiefs. He encouraged them to work closely with their chiefs for harmonious and sustainable local development, urging them to demonstrate availability, transparency, and teamwork.
The mayor of Lacs 3 commune, Anani Messan, highlighted the importance of CVDs in local development, encouraging the new bureaus to work in unity, solidarity, and solely in the interest of the population. He stressed that their actions must align with state and local government development policies and reaffirmed the municipal council's commitment to supporting them.
The mayor emphasized that the development of Lacs 3 is a collective responsibility, requiring the involvement of all actors at all levels. The president of the Agbodrafo CVD, Bismarck Téteh, speaking on behalf of the bureau, pledged to work for the well-being of their communities.
The installation ceremony concluded with the handing over of attestations and the depositing of dossiers for their legal recognition, marking a significant step towards grassroots development in the Lacs 3 commune.
Key points
- Twenty-three Village Development Committees were installed in Togo's Lacs 3 commune.
- The committees aim to foster local development through citizen participation and mobilization.
- The committees will work closely with local authorities and development partners to implement micro-projects.
