The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs chaired by Hon. Musa Fofana on Friday 31/05/2024 and Saturday, 01/06/2024 respectively conducted oversight inspection on European Union funded project, “Local Authorities Programme Sierra Leone” implemented by Kenema District and Kenema City Councils. The project is intended to strengthening Local Governance, Decentralization and Sustainable Urban Development through Territorial Approach to Local Economic Development.
The Committee Members observed that the councils have almost completed the various components of the projects which commenced around 2020-2021 financial year with a three-year period.
The Committee visited various District Council project sites including the mortuary at Bandama subcontracted to Columbia Davies, a market and a bridge at Blama, giant multipurpose hall at Nyandeyama Road in Kenema City, rehabilitated boreholes amongst others.
For the City Council, it was observed by the Committee that several market stores, and coverts have been constructed. Capacity building training for staff and elected officials and other components have been implemented.
The Committee Members were satisfied with the project implementation with the exception of few issues and queries.
At a meeting held at the Kenema City Hall, Kenema City Council, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma in his statement stressed that councils should work in line with the new Act in tandem with transparency and accountability. He emphasized on team work among the Chief Administrator, Mayor and others stakeholders to implement development.
Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas K. Baio, said they are doing what is good for the people and went on to speak about prevailing issues among the council and relationship between himself and the administration.
Presentation of the project implementation was done by the Chief Administrator, Joseph G. T. Gando. He explained lot of positive achievements and their challenges.
Earlier, the District Chief Administrator, Ahmed Koroma made similar presentation. The Kenema District Council Chairperson Mohamed A. Sesay reassured the Committee Members of positive development.
The Committee Members were also able to mediate between the administration and political leaders.
Credit – Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, June 5th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)