By: Haruna Kuyateh
The community of ToubaKolong of Upper, North Bank Region on Saturday held it first ever congress to select new executive of the village development committee (VDC) to manage the affairs of the community.
The new executive hailed the outgoing executive for their support towered the implementation of village development plans for the best interest of the community.
Delivery his report, Lamin Sarr outgoing chairman of Village Development Committee said over the years more development projects and programs were undertaken, citing the maintenance of community tractor which has boost rice production, provision of rice milling machine through Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Project under National Nutrition Agency to enhance processing and reduce labour burden on women and girls.
He said the outgoing VDC has partner with various NGOS and institutions in building capacity and forest management, education and social mobilization techniques to enhance sustainable development.
Alagie K Saho, Pakau ward Councillor said the move is in line of promoting good governance and social accountability, adding that Local Government Act strongly advocate for empowering communities to take lead of their own development and expressed delight for organizing such laudable initiative.
Alkalo Alh. Sherifo Samateh, said the development of the village calls for concerted efforts of all stakeholders and lauded the outgoing VDC for their support to the village and noted that the congress demonstrated their resolved to the development of the village.
Ousman Sowe chairman of Toubakolong People Association Gambia chapter acknowledged the enormous contribution of citizens in the diaspora and in country for their support to the development needs of people’s.
Alasan Badjie Forest Officer for Upper Nuimi commended the community for their foresight on the management of ¹¹Community Forest and noted department of forestry has already given final ownership of the forest. He called for concerted efforts of protecting other forest areas from all form of illegal activities and urged them to collaborate on the expansion of community forest.
Badgie call for more collaboration with the forest committee under the VDC for their commitment.