(Togo First) - The Technical Secretariat of Togo’s Local Authorities Support Fund (ST-CG-FACT) plans to strengthen its support for municipalities in carrying out state-funded projects under the fund. The move follows the identification of weaknesses in how several local authorities have managed their allocations.
According to a statement from ST-CG-FACT obtained by Togo First, the review highlighted shortcomings such as project delays, limited technical oversight, and challenges in municipal project management. These findings stem from an assessment mission that reviewed investments made by communes using 2024 FACT allocations. The mission concluded on October 4 after more than a month of fieldwork.
“These findings help us better identify where support is most needed, particularly in planning, procurement, and capacity building,” said Koumtchane Siangou, Technical Secretary of the FACT Management Commission.
Despite the challenges, the mission also noted clear progress in local management.
“Overall, we observed a genuine commitment by the communes to implement their projects properly. Many completed works meet specifications and are already benefiting the public,” the official added.
The Technical Secretariat will prepare a comprehensive report based on the mission. The document will guide new support and intervention strategies, to be shared with all stakeholders involved in decentralization. They will be invited to contribute recommendations to improve the fund’s effectiveness.
For 2024, the state allocated 8.5 billion CFA francs to the communes through the FACT, a national financing mechanism for local authorities aligned with Togo’s decentralization policy.
Esaïe Edoh