The President of the Republic of The Gambia, his Excellency Adama Barrow, speaking at the swearing in ceremony for Commissioners of the newly established Commission of Inquiry constituted to look into the conduct of Local Government Councils and Connected Matters said the Banjul City Council is yet to submit its annual budget to the Ministry for scrutiny as provided for by the Local Government Finance and Audit Act 2004.

“The Banjul City Council is yet to submit its annual budget for scrutiny by the Ministry as provided for by the local government finance and audit act 2004. Also, at the Kanifing Municipal Council, there has not been a Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance for nearly two years. Furthermore, oversight measures including a court ruling and directives from the Local Government Service Commission to institute suitable procedures are still been in-depth 

“These circumstances, among other factors, have seriously undermined the administration and social service delivery obligations of the said councils. The Gambia Government has a huge responsibility to restore and maintain normality at all levels of the establishment, it bears a statuary oversight obligation over councils and has been duly advised to adopt appropriate measures to address the irregularities, complaints against them,” he said. 

The president added that the task of the commission is to investigate and present its report within three months to guide the Government on the adoption of relevant policy and administrative options. 

“The outcome of the investigation will further guide the administration policies and procedures of councils and clearly spell out the relationship between elected and appointed councils officials,” he Said