The training was held at NaNA Conference Hall under the theme: “Building local councils capacity for efficient service delivery.”
The training was attended by councilors from Banjul City Council (BCC) and Kanifing Municipality Council (KMC) as well as staff of NCCE and development partners.
Alhagie Serign Fye, Chairman of NCCE said the training aimed at strengthening the capacities of both elected and nominated councilors as well as prominent council staff on the legal frameworks and policies that underpin decentralisation in the country.
He added that the training seeks to enhance their capacity on their operational legal instruments and decentralisation policy, the Local Government Amended Act 2002 and the Finance and Audit Act 2004.
Mr. Faye said despite the significance and impact of local councils in democratic governance and socioeconomic development, there is a deficit in the adequacy of awareness of laws underpinning decentralisation and legal capacities.
According to him, similar engagements were held in other parts of the country to equip and enhance capacities of the local government authorities in a bid to ensure quality service delivery to communities, hence their mandate.
Ndey Rose Sarr, UNFPA Resident Representative tasked the councilors to ensure the freedom of both social and economic dignity of their electorates, prioritising women and youth in the resilience to human security.
Madam Sarr also implored on beneficiaries to uphold an inclusive governance system.
Hon. Abdou Aziz Dabakh Gaye, Deputy Mayor for Banjul City Council said the training will provide the framework for effective governance at the local level, ensuring transparency, accountability and citizen participation.
"Decentralization is a vital aspect of our discourse. It empowers us to make decisions that are tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of our residents," he said.
Deputy Mayor Gaye highlighted that they have the opportunity to make lasting positive impacts on the lives of citizens and shape the future of electorates for the better.
He advised his fellow councilors to make best use of the training.
