The five beneficiary wards are; Sibanor, SintehBanjulinding,Brufut and Jabang Wards and each of these wards received an allocation of Five hundred thousand dalasis(D500,000.00).
According to the management of BAC, these projects are geared towards improving market access by these communities, social facilities, facilitate movement of goods and services, as well as promote women’s and youth empowerment to strengthen health services.
The chairman of Brikama Area Council, Mr. Sheriffo Sonko underscored the importance of tax payment and the need to plough back to the communities in the form of projects and programs.
“We are here for the taxpayers and their challenges or needs and aspirationsare our concern.”
Chairman Sonko stressed the need for people to pay their taxes to enable council implement meaningful projects for them.
He thanked the staff and management of BAC for their commitment, hard work and diligence to ensure that the council implements the projects in the five identified wards.
Sonko recalled that a similar presentation with the same amountwas made last year to identified councils under BAC.
“Whatever we are collecting 60% of the total sum should go back to the tax payers,” Sonko stated.
For his part,ModouJonga, Chief Executive Officer (BAC)reminded that this is the second phase of allocating funds towards implementing identified projects.
The first allocation, he recalled, was in 2019 when the council delivered similar funds to Gunjur, Kartong, Subs, Bullock and Giboroh wards.
“The amount disbursed ismeant to support the implementation of identified grassroots development initiatives across the five wards.”
“In order to ensure the successful implementation of these projects, a development fund manual is developed in 2015.”
The manual, he said, is a document in progress that will be reviewed and updated; incorporating lessons from experiences; manual established the basis, rules and procedures for the proper utilization.
SaineyNdong, a representative from the Ministry of Local Government and Lands, thanked BAC for reaching out to these communities or taxpayers through their able council.
He encouraged the councilors to ensure that the grant is put into good use.