"A state only becomes efficient when it comes close to the population. Today the administration of Gbangbegouine Yati has come close to its inhabitants," the Special Representative of UN Secretary-general for Cote d'Ivoire, Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou declared on Monday 24 February 25, 2014 while inaugurating the building housing the offices of the Sub Prefect.



The Special Representative said the involvement of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in the construction of the bulding fell within the framework of its mandate to support the Ivorian government in its efforts to restore state authority.



Mrs. Mindaoudou, who was accompanied by heads of some UN agencies in Cote d'Ivoire including the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs, Babacar Cisse, thanked the inhabitants of Gbangbegouine Yati (15 km from Man), the elites, the women, youths, and traditional leaders for their massive turnout at the inaugural ceremony. She lauded the initiative of the local Mutual Development association for financing the first part of the project and reiterated UNOCI's readiness to continue assisting Ivorians in their quest for national reconciliation and social cohesion.



Apart from bringing the administration closer to the people, one of the objectives of the project was to facilitate the settling of land related disputes and social cohesion.



Because of lack of office space, the Sub Prefect of the area had so far been obliged to reside in Man. "The offices of the Sub Prefect are now ready and he can move in as early as tomorrow to continue work," declared the President of the Mutuality, Alain Bagali who, on behalf of the population, expressed the pride and gratitude of the 25,000 inhabitants of the Sub Prefecture who would not have to cover the 15 km distance to Man to obtain administrative documents.



The Prefect of Tonkpi Region for his part welcomed the good collaboration between UNOCI and the local authorities, a collaboration which he said had facilitated the accomplishment of several projects aimed at promoting reconciliation and social cohesion.



The administrative building comprises eight offices, all equipped with computers and accessories.