Préfecture de Lokossa | Lokossa

The Préfecture de Lokossa is the administrative center of the Mono Department in Benin, located in the city of Lokossa.

This governmental building serves as the primary administrative hub for the region.

Visual Characteristics

The Préfecture de Lokossa is a multi-story concrete structure with a light beige facade. It features a flat roof and regularly spaced rectangular windows. The building's design is functional and utilitarian, typical of mid-20th-century administrative architecture.

Location & Access Logistics

The Préfecture is situated in the central district of Lokossa. It is accessible via the main road, Route Nationale 1 (RN1), which passes directly through the city. From the city center, it is approximately 0.5km North. Parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the building. Public transport within Lokossa consists of shared taxis and motorcycle taxis, which can drop visitors directly at the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was constructed in the late 1970s to consolidate administrative functions for the newly formed Mono Department. Its purpose was to house government offices and facilitate regional governance. The site itself is situated on relatively flat terrain, characteristic of the coastal plain of Benin.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity at the Préfecture de Lokossa is conducting official administrative business, such as obtaining permits or registering documents. Public access is generally limited to business hours. No specific tours or recreational activities are offered.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for public use within the building. Limited shade is provided by the building's overhangs. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable in this area of Lokossa. No food vendors are located directly on the premises, but several are situated along Route Nationale 1 within a short walking distance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for administrative purposes is during standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:30. The dry season, from November to April, offers more comfortable travel conditions to Lokossa.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the original blueprints for the Préfecture were lost during a severe storm shortly before construction began, leading to minor modifications during the building process.

Nearby Landmarks

• Marché de Lokossa (0.3km Southwest)
• Centre de Santé de Lokossa (0.4km West)
• Gendarmerie Nationale (0.6km North)
• Église Catholique Saint Michel (0.7km Southeast)