The
West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP)-The Gambia with funding from
Action Aid International The Gambia, recently concluded a three-day experience
sharing and capacity building training workshop for members of the Link
Committees of North Bank Region and Upper River Region at the Trans-Gambia
Lodge, Pakalinding, Lower River Region under the project titled “Promoting
grassroots democracy for effective decentralization.”
The Link Committees established as a pilot phase in 2013 in URR and NBR seek to bridge the gap between the Local Government structures and their communities.
Since their establishment, the Link Committees have been working closely with council, while complementing their efforts.
Delivering her opening remarks, the acting National Network Coordinator, Ms Anna Jones, underscored the importance of the Link Committees in the decentralisation process.
She noted that building the capacities of the Link Committees would promote cordial working relationship with local councils in the dispensation of their duties and building the synergy between the duty bearers and the rights holders.
During the three-day, participants were exposed to the Local Government Act 2002; the Finance and Audit Act; concepts of decentralisation; advocacy and networking skills; conflict analysis and peace building.
Ms Catherine P. Jassey, delivered the vote of thanks and extended WANEP-The Gambia’s sincere appreciation to Action Aid International for their invaluable support.
Jassey urged the participants to take ownership of the process to ensure its sustainability beyond the project cycle.
