Fatshimetrie, September 30, 2024. – The need to give real impetus to decentralization at the grassroots level was highlighted during the September ordinary session led by Levi Mbuta, President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa (APK). The urgent call to the Governor of Kinshasa to make this decentralization effective includes in particular the payment of the emoluments of municipal councilors by the urban public treasury. This measure is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of local organizations and promote better representation of citizens within decision-making bodies.
Furthermore, Levi Mbuta stressed the importance for the central government to financially support the Provincial Assemblies by sending the operating costs necessary for their activity. The President of the APK also advocated for a decentralization of skills in key sectors such as Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Sports and Education. The lack of adequate funding hinders the work of the Provincial Assemblies and undermines the implementation of effective public policies at the local level.
In parallel, the September 2024 ordinary session opened with an agenda mainly focused on budgetary issues. Provincial elected officials will have to consider the vote on the budgetary edict for the year 2025, as well as the amending budget for the current financial year. This essential democratic exercise requires in-depth reflection on the financial choices to be made to meet the needs of the population and ensure the sustainable development of the city of Kinshasa.
In a context marked by the recent tragic events at Makala Central Prison, Levi Mbuta expressed his concern about the safety and respect for the fundamental rights of detainees. He called on the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to avoid such tragedies in the future and expressed his condolences to the families affected by these events.
Finally, this September budget session is shaping up to be a key moment for local governance, where financial and operational issues will be at the heart of the debates. The draft edicts on the budget of the city of Kinshasa for 2025 and the accountability of the previous financial year will be rigorously examined in order to guarantee transparent and efficient management of public resources. This period of debates and decisions marks an essential step in building a strong local administration that serves the citizens of Kinshasa.