SECTION 497

(1) Devolved State services, initially under the authority of the regional governor, and whose powers are entirely transferred to the regions, shall be transferred to the president of the regional council or the president of the regional executive council. (2) Sub-divisional State services, whose powers are entirely transferred to councils, shall be transferred to the council mayor or the sub-divisional council, as the case may be. (3) State personnel as well as movable and immovable property belonging to or initially belonging to the deconcentrated State services referred to in sub-sections 1 and 2 above shall be made available to the region, council or sub-divisional council, as the case may be. (4) The staff referred to in sub-section 3 above shall remain governed by the rules and regulations applicable to them at the entry into force of this law. (5) A decree of the President of the Republic shall set out the terms and conditions for transfer, assignment or provision under this Section, depending on whether the devolution of powers is complete or partial.