As
of efforts to minimize drudgery people face in their communities, the
Management of Brikama Area Council (BAC )under the leadership of its newly
appointed Chief Executive Officer Mr. Modou Jonga, over the weekend handed over
labour saving devices worth over half a million dalasi to three communities
within Bullock Ward.
The
labour saving devices, which include 3 milling machines and 3 grinding
machines, are meant for the communities of Sutusinjang, Bullock and Besse
respectively all in Foni Berefet district.
At
the handing over ceremony, Mr. Ismalia Badjie, Councillor for Bullock Ward
recalled that few years ago Bullock Ward benefited from the Council in the form
of construction of five classroom blocks with an office of Sutusinjang Islamic
school, to a tune of (D229, 620.00).
‘Today
Bulock ward is very much appreciative to benefit from another D500,000.00 and
this is part of 2019 ward allocation project from BAC with the initiative from
the development committee in partnership with the planning and development unit
of the council’.
Out
of this ward allocation, he said, the ward identified this project that they
are about to inaugurate today, indicating that the 3 milling machines and 3
grinding machines with their accessories are for communities of Sutusinjang,
Bullock and Besse respectively.
Badjie
maintained that each of these communities was allocated 2 machines, one milling
machine and one grinding machine, adding that the machines cost (D375,000.00).
He
also disclosed that they have already applied for a three-phase meter at the
National Water and Electricity Company at a tune of (D64,500.00) which they are
yet to receive.
Badjie
therefore urged the beneficiary communities to jealously take proper care of
these labour saving devices.
Alkalo
of Sutusijang village,Mamina Jammeh described the gesture as worthy and timely,
further promising that the donated items would go a long in alleviating the
drudgery people in these communities face.
‘This
donation was long overdue and I commended the management of the Brikama Area
Council for this bold initiative’.
For
his part, Modou Jonga, the Chief Executive officer BAC, recalled that in June
2019 BAC disbursed a sum of D25M to implement priority projects in five wards
in West Coast Region, saying these five wards and their respective priority
projects include Bullock Ward, Gunjur Ward, Kartong Ward and Giboroh wards.
The
council, he said, has also completed the process of developing a five years
strategic development plan, noting that the strategic direction in the coming
five years will focused on environmental health and sanitation, supporting
social and economic activity, promoting grassroots, development and enhancing
localdemocracy, transparency and accountability.
Mr.
Mam Sait Jallow, erstwhile retired CEO, described this event as yet another
milestone in the history of the council, adding that the presentation of these
labor saving devices to the beneficiary communities within Bullock ward was a
worthy course.
‘It
is a worthwhile cause and Bullock Ward is one of the lucky wards who qualified
for the ward allocation that was fully financed by the BAC to the tune of D500,
000.00. Among the criteria for qualification was that the project has to be
community driven or initiated so that it will reflect peoples felt need and
thus have a positive impact in their lives’.
Jallow
expressed optimism that these labour saving devices would be put to good use,
further advising beneficiaries to ensure that proper attention and necessary
precautions are taken to ensure its longevity.