Held at the council’s ground, the presentation was presided over by the council senior admin, Modou Jonga, who also doubles as the Public Relations Officer.
In his speech, Mr Jonga told the gathering that the event marked the council’s final payment of its 5-percent contribution of D912,459.77 to CILIP.
He said the council was proud to inform the gathering and the entire populace of the region that the Brikama Area Council had now paid in full its 5 per cent contribution of D1,712,459.14.
He noted that based on council’s allocation of D34,249,195.85 by the CILIP project, a total of seven cross-community projects with huge potential of improving the livelihood of the communities in the West Coast Region was identified for intervention.
Mr Jonga added that the project included the construction of reinforced concrete pavement at the entrance of the Brikama Car Park, the construction of market extension and the construction of Gunjur Car Park.
The BAC PRO said further that the current stage of the entrance at the Brikama Car Park had been a major concern to the management of the council and the public in particular.
“We are hopeful that officials of GAMWORKS will expedite their effort to start the work,” he said.
BAC Chief Executive Officer Yusupha Manneh expressed delight to be associated with the “important presentation” of their final contribution to GAMWORK.
He noted that the council was very appreciative of joining the rest of other councils in paying their final contribution, which he said was a major achievement for the council.
“This is a way of encouraging the taxpayers to build self-confidence on council for creating such community development,” CEO Manneh said.
He stated that the importance attached to the payment of this counterpart contribution to government was geared towards enhancing the taxpayers by creating development initiatives in the regions.
Mr Manneh added that such development could not take place in council without the participation and support of the district authority in ensuring that people pay their rates and taxes.
He commended the council staff for their cooperation and teamwork in service delivery, while advising them to continue with their hard work and commitment in ploughing back collected rates and tax money to the taxpayers.
Maria Dacosta, project manager of CILIP under GAMWORKS, said the presentation of the final five per cent contribution to GAMWORKS towards the CILIP project signified the preparation of the council to actually implement the CILIP project.
She commended the staff of the council for their concern about the speedy implementation of their community projects within the West Coast Region.
According to her, one guarantee for the project to be implemented was the fulfilment of their corporate social responsibility, in payment of the five-percent financial contribution to government.
She said she was impressed about the development whilst appreciating the commitment of the council staff through the chief executive officer for ensuring that the council paid their final quota to GAMWORKS, geared towards bringing developments to the communities.
She said the presentation signified the ability and readiness of the council to give back to the taxpayers their dues in the form of development initiatives that would impact the livelihood of the people.
According to CILIP project manager, making good its final financial quota to GAMWORK was a clear indication of the council’s readiness to fulfilling their mandate.
She re-assured of GAMWORKS’ commitment to implementing the CILIP project in the community.
Pa Darboe, deputy governance at the Ministry of Land, also expressed appreciation about the presentation, saying it was a clear testimony that GAMWORKS and BAC are partners in development.
He assured the two parties of the ministry and government’s commitment in supporting them.
“I have no doubt that the contribution will go a long way in enhancing the desired goal of the beneficiaries,” he said.
He implored on the remaining councils to make good their final payment, while commending the BAC and its CEO for meeting their commitment.
BAC chairman, Bakary Saibo Sanneh, said the payment of the money came as a result of the collective effort of the community and people of the West Coast Region.
He commended GAMWORKS, which is a household partner of all institutions in this country.
“We are proud to work with GAMWORKS,” he said, adding that GAMWORKS was one of the institutions that first gave power to the people.
He cited GAMWORKS’ collaboration with CDDP, which was a “successful project” that empowered the people and communities.
The BAC boss said no country could develop without the participation of its citizenry, and therefore people should take ownership of their destiny for nation building.
