It is naked reality that some councils still resort to using the handwritten receipts for their daily financial transactions, which is fast becoming old-fashioned and inconvenient for some in view of the protracted time to service some clientele.
Based on experience, handwritten receipts pose numerous challenges, as they have previously created opportunities for those involved in fraudulent activities to engage in their illicit activities. Following the ongoing Local Commission of Inquiry, we’ve seen how some handwritten receipts were tampered.
It is important, Mr. President, for area councils and government departments to go digital especially in transaction relating to public finance. In the past, we have seen gross mismanagement of public funds at the local councils due to old methods of rent payment. Kanifing Municipal Council has introduced a digital system for the payment of land rates which is a great example. And we commend Mayor Bensouda and his team for the foresight and initiative.
Importantly, Mr President, the old method of payment has cost institutions greatly. But with the digital format, institutions have realised it is the best and surest form when dealing with public finance.
A case in point is the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), which over the years, continues to perform remarkably in terms of revenue mobilization, thanks to the digital system it has instituted. This has helped the authority to position itself firm on the ground, while collecting millions in revenues on behalf of Gambians.
Road accidents
Furthermore, Mr. President, accidents on our road are becoming a cause of concern. Hardly a day passes without reading on the local press regarding a fatal accident in the country. And if government does not take a firm stance, the menace will continue to affect communities across the country. The recent fatal accident in Kafuta in Kombo East, which claimed the lives of three, injuring 40 others, goes to show the bigger problem of reckless driving on our roads.
The issue is also compounded by issuing national driving licence to people not fit to drive. This has caused serious challenges in dealing with accidents on our roads.
Mr. President, traffic police should check cars, especially those that have faulty brakes and in adequate lightning system. The most annoying part is that some of these vehicles would not have adequate lighting systems and would continue plying the roads during the night.
Secondly, vehicles not road worthy including those producing exorbitant smoke should not be allowed to ply our roads and the police should do enough to stop this from happening.
Additionally, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is another major problem in The Gambia. The government should put in place strict measures to deal with some of these reckless drivers, as they are not only killing people, but they are also inflicting pain on communities.
In most countries, Mr. President, governments devise a mechanism to get rid of old vehicles that are deemed unfit for the road or for public safety. It is high time, your government put in place measures to curb the growing dangers caused by vehicle that are outdated and yet causing accidents on our roads.
A good number of accidents on our roads are attributed to speeding, faulty brakes, worn-out tyres and illicit substance abuse and the list goes on. However, we believe if measures are taken it will ensure safety at all time.
Also, many people are complaining about the time consumed by your convoy especially when you are using the busy Banjul-Brikama Highway during the peak of working hours. This, many believe, doesn’t only disrupt the movement of people, but also hinders businesses especially if it is restricted for long hours.
Good day.