CepRass conducted a Citizens’ Report Card survey (CRC) assessing the perception of people on services delivered by local government councils, focusing on Banjul City, Kanifing Municipal and Brikama Area councils respectively . The broad survey focuses on the services local government councils are mandated to offer to their citizens such as health, education, agriculture, transportation, information services, land transactions, emergency and natural disasters, among others.
CepRass was awarded a two-year grant from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on a project titled: Strengthening Citizens’ Participation in Local Governance to Improve Transparency and Accountability. The overall objective of the project is to promote transparency and accountability in local service delivery by revealing citizens’ views to the government for appropriate policy action.
Aja Fatou Senghore, the acting Executive Director of CepRass said their opinion polls for both the Presidential and National Assembly predictions has positioned them as one of the biggest and most reliable research centers in The Gambia.
She noted that the issues of Local Governance are becoming a heated debate.
She appealed to Civil Society Organisationsand other stakeholders to take the project findings with an objective mind to help in strengthening service delivery to citizens.
Landing B. Sanneh, the President of The Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) said he cannot quantify the relevance and timely nature of the study conducted by CepRass and partners.
He stated that The Gambia as a sovereign nation should decentralize its service as part of promoting democracy, transparency and accountability in local service delivery to bring development to the door step of citizens particularly tax payers as a way of encouraging participation in decision making as well as maximisation of services provided to them.
Hon. Alhagie Babou Ceesay, in representing the National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Government, Lands, Ombudsman and IEC said the consolidation of our democracy calls for collective efforts from Government, the private sector and members of the public.
He stated that the Government has the greatest share in improving transparency and accountability, adding that with the help of CSOs, people will trust and have confidence in Government.
Buba Sanyang, a representing of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs said citizens involvement in local governance makes them feel included and ensure they make an impact in national development.
He stated that public has a role to play both in revenue mobilisation and selecting representatives to support development. He therefore appealed to Local Government authorities to always consult electorates in the decision making process to avoid waste of resources.
