The challenging working conditions faced by municipal councilors in three municipalities in Bukavu, South Kivu, have raised serious concerns. Emmanuel Nihwe, a councilor in Bagira commune, is drawing attention to the grim circumstances under which they operate. These elected officials encounter obstacles that hinder their ability to effectively carry out their duties, similar to national and provincial deputies.
Councilors are burdened with the responsibility of contributing to rent a meeting room for plenary sessions, illustrating the challenges they face in fulfilling their roles professionally. Additionally, the lack of financial support from state budgets at both provincial and national levels further impedes their effectiveness in advocating for their communities.
Emmanuel Nihwe emphasizes the dilapidated state of the facilities provided for their work, exemplified by the degraded condition of the premises housing the Municipal Council. Urgent rehabilitation of these spaces is essential to enable councilors to work under decent conditions.
Despite these adversities, Nihwe remains hopeful about the future impact of municipal councilors once their mandate is officially recognized. He calls for comprehensive support from authorities at all levels to ensure the smooth operation of these crucial local institutions essential for democracy.
It is imperative that Bukavu municipal councilors receive the necessary backing to fulfill their duties effectively in serving the population. Recognizing their pivotal role in local governance, it is crucial to equip them with the resources required to carry out their responsibilities. Enhancing the working conditions of municipal councilors is vital to ensuring a democratic and representative local governance structure.