A local authority and an administrative division of the State

The word department refers both to an area in which the State operates and to a local authority. The local authority is administered by a departmental council and its president; the State is represented by the prefect.

Departmental responsibilities

The department plays a major role in social welfare. It is also responsible for public lower secondary schools and departmental roads, within the scope of the powers provided for by law.

Remember: the president of the departmental council and the prefect do not perform the same function.