A lively homecoming in Cuvette
Drums echoed through the main road of Ntokou as residents greeted their sole deputy, Theodore Ikemo. The lawmaker’s agenda, officially labelled a parliamentary recess tour, quickly took on a social flavour that matched the expectations of a youthful population eager for concrete gestures.
- A lively homecoming in Cuvette
- School kits for a fresh start
- Parents praise practical help
- Roofing sheets for local service
- Opening the PCT’s new nerve centre
- Symbolic words, concrete bricks
- Explaining Parliament’s latest session
- Hospitals beyond bricks and equipment
- Security bill under the microscope
- Focus on petroleum production contracts
- Residents quiz their representative
- Youth see role models in action
- Echoes from community radio
- Next steps after the goodwill tour
- A balanced mission accomplished
School kits for a fresh start
First stop: the courtyard of the Lycée de Ntokou, where Ikemo unloaded cartons of exercise books, pens, slates and geometry sets. “May this school year outshine the previous one,” he told the pupils, urging them to study hard. Teachers welcomed the initiative, recalling shortages faced last term.
Parents praise practical help
Outside the primary school, mother of three Madeleine Itoua clutched new notebooks for her children. “Prices have climbed; these kits spare us big expenses,” she said, echoing many families’ relief in a district where river journeys inflate the cost of basic supplies.
Roofing sheets for local service
The deputy then delivered bundles of corrugated iron to the district headquarters. The sheets will repair the official residence of the secretary-general, damaged by heavy rains. “Decent housing for civil servants means better public service,” Ikemo noted while handing the materials to municipal staff.
Opening the PCT’s new nerve centre
Wearing his red Party Congolais du Travail scarf, the parliamentarian cut the ribbon of Ntokou’s first purpose-built PCT committee office. He passed the keys to Jean-Marie Mopombo, head of the party’s Cuvette federation. Mopombo called the meeting hall “a comfortable place to animate our ideas”.
Symbolic words, concrete bricks
Ikemo stressed that the building now forms part of the PCT’s national heritage, a message cheered by militants who travelled from surrounding villages. According to local observers, the office replaces improvised venues and offers space for youth wings and women’s leagues to plan community actions.
Explaining Parliament’s latest session
In an open-air forum, the legislator summarised debates from the National Assembly’s ordinary session. Central to his briefing was the legal framework needed for two freshly built general hospitals: one in Sibiti, the other in Ouesso. “We must first recognise them in law so they function properly,” he said.
Hospitals beyond bricks and equipment
Ikemo reminded residents that functioning hospitals require doctors, administrative staff and clear funding lines. He congratulated the government for achieving these projects “with sometimes very limited means” while insisting that sustainable management rules will guarantee quality care for northern and southern patients alike.
Security bill under the microscope
The MP also detailed the new statute governing the Gendarmerie nationale. The law clarifies recruitment, career progression and oversight, issues he argued are vital for rural districts that depend on gendarme posts for everyday safety. Several farmers present said the explanation helped them understand pending changes.
Focus on petroleum production contracts
Another highlight of the last session was the review of oil production contracts. Ikemo reassured his constituents that the Assembly examines each agreement “line by line” to ensure national interests remain protected and revenue benefits social programmes. He noted that transparency is an ongoing commitment.
Residents quiz their representative
During a question period, traders asked about road maintenance, while fishermen raised concerns over fuel availability. Ikemo promised to relay their points to the relevant ministries and encouraged citizens to keep using these encounters to hold officials accountable in a constructive spirit.
Youth see role models in action
Many teenagers lingered after the meeting to pose for photos with the deputy. “This visit shows politics is not just speeches in Brazzaville,” said final-year student Arnaud Nganga. Teachers believe such contact can inspire civic engagement among young people preparing to vote for the first time.
Echoes from community radio
Local station Radio Ntokou broadcast live segments of the tour, allowing surrounding hamlets to follow events. Call-in listeners largely applauded the school-kit gesture, though some suggested extending similar support to vocational trainees. The coverage underscores radio’s enduring role in amplifying rural voices.
Next steps after the goodwill tour
Before leaving, Ikemo urged district leaders to monitor the distribution of supplies and the progress of roof repairs. He scheduled a follow-up visit during the next recess to assess outcomes. “Accountability is a two-way street,” he told them, inviting regular reports on evolving needs.
A balanced mission accomplished
By blending material assistance with legislative reporting, Theodore Ikemo turned a routine constituency tour into an event that resonated beyond party lines. Residents returned home informed and equipped, while the deputy cemented his reputation as a hands-on link between Ntokou and national decision-making.
