The Representative of the PIC, Chief Fonju Bernard, speaking during the meeting
The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator, South-West Region on Wednesday, 28th May 2026 organized a concertation seminar with Council Administrations at the Kumba City Council Hall. Held under theme “Office of the Public Independent Conciliator: Working in Synergy with Stakeholders Within Council Administrations to Meet the Aspirations of Citizens through Improved Quality Services Delivery”, the objective of the seminar which falls in line with OPIC’s mission to ensure that persons serving in the regional and council administration comply with their ethical obligation, was to awaken participants consciousness in performing their professional and ethical obligations to the satisfaction of service users.
Mr Ekema Brown Meende, Research Officer at OPIC drilling participants on their ethical responsibilities
Other objectives behind the seminar were to examine other possible ways of reinforcing awareness of the optimum performance of the duties and ethical compliances of Council Service Providers, remind council Personnel of their obligations towards the Population, and examine some areas of contention between users (citizens) and service providers.
The Second Assistant SDO, Hermia Ngowo Njonge making a statement as representative of the SDO
Participants at the end of the seminar were expected to be conscious of their professional and ethical obligations towards the Population, as well be able to come up with suggestions on how to improve the quality of services provided by their different services in the Councils.
Participants very attentive during deliberations
The seminar which brought targeted some 200 participants was attended by chiefs of services and bureau heads of prominent services like Civil Status Affairs, Town Planning and Construction, Urban Transport and Circulation, Hygiene and Sanitation, Municipal Police and market masters.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Representative of the Public Independent Conciliator for the South-West Region, Chief Fonju Bernard underscore the importance of the seminar, which he said is the fervent desire of OPIC to work with service providers of decentralized collectivities in enhancing services delivery in order to meet users’ expectation. “I am convinced that if you play your role and do your duty well as spelt out in your missions, service users will derive increase satisfaction and create an atmosphere of trust towards our collectivities as well as peace and stability in your various municipalities” he told participants.
After haven been drilled on some ways to improve services by a staff of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator, the participants asked questions on issues that constitute daily challenges while interacting with users. Prominent questions came from bureau head of municipal police, town planning and urban development including civil status affair.
Some participants while expressing their satisfaction about the organization of seminar said the meeting have once again refreshed their minds on their roles and how to address issues of ethical misconduct.
It’s worth mentioning that the seminar was attended by the Second Assistant SDO of Meme Division, Hermia Ngowo Kinge spouse Njonje representing the D.O and the mayor of the Kumba City Council, Greg Mewanu
