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Deputies ratify Motion on Creation of new ‘Sayfo’ districts in WCR

Jun 22, 2023, 11:57 AM | Article By: Jnakey Ceesay

National Assembly Members (NAMs) have yesterday ratified the creation of new ‘Seyfo’ Districts in the West Coast Region.

The motion was tabled by the minister for Lands and Regional Governments, Abba Sanyang. 

 

The minister explained that this would enhance policy consistency as it is what is obtained in other regions and on the other hand enhance local administration.

 

“It is indisputable that it is due to the high population density across the territorial area of Kombo North and Central that lead to the IEC demarcating them into smaller constituencies. This has become difficult for a single Sayfo (chief) to deal with these areas as such it has become necessary to install sayfo districts in each of these constituencies.”

 

This initiative means that constituencies in the West Coast Region (WCS) such as Busmbabla, Yumdum and Sanimentereng amongst others, will now have their districts chiefs who will run down the affairs at the district levels.

 

 “The people in my constituency have been wanting to have a District Seyfo," says Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, the member for Old Yumdum Constituency.

 

“I have even started consultations with the relevant people on this issue. But now that it’s here, this is like a dream come true for me.”

 

Hon Gibou Mballow urged fellow lawmakers not to politicize this document, saying it is here to serve the Gambian people.

 

Deputy speaker and nominated member, Seedy S.K. Njie, applauded the government for this and underlined that once offices are created by National Assembly Members, “appointments will be effective by the chief executive officer of the country and who would direct monies that are appreciated by government and the National Assembly and can be used in the event of emergencies.”