By: Haruna Kuyateh
Stakeholders gathered to proffer solution to 2020 community risk vulnerability as European Union’s €15.2 project of United Nation Capital Development Fund, UNCDF, multi-million-euro project which seeks to empowering local councils and improve lives of people, has proffered solution to 2020 community risk vulnerability.
The project also seeks to help promote job creation through green and climate resilient local economies through promoting all-inclusive and sustainable growth as well as employment of youth and women is fostered.
The four years project in collaboration with Kerewan Area Council and Department of Community Development at a tune of.
And create jobs opportunity for women and youths through cash for work. DCD and UNCDF recently concluded three days Community Risk Vulnerability Analysis plan with beneficiaries to map out some intervention areas to mitigate climate change and livelihood development.
Ansu Fofana, senior community development officer in Mansa Konko described the significance the project to improving lives and livelihood at grassroots level.
Dr. Raymond Jatta, UNCDF local government financial specialist, described as a significant milestone, noting that the presentation of priorities ward plan from 8 wards demonstrated the commitment partners on the implementation of projects.
He said audit and annual assessment of past projects would to inform both council and Multidisciplinary Facilitators Teams to improve on performance and develop strategies for effective implementation of projects.
He said the involvement of Technical Advisory Committee would obviously help to provide technical assistance and avoid duplication of efforts, adding the needs for ward development committees should endeavour to meet minimum condition of project.
According to him, the next stage is to train Ward Development Committees on project planning and budgeting to promote accountability and enhance participatory community involvement on implementation of community projects.
Malamin IL Bojang chairman of Kerewan Area Council noted that the project has complement council development efforts in providing much needed services to grassroots, clean water supply and garden among others. He hailed the intervention of UNCDF and European Union for the partnership and assured of council fullest support.
“The project contributes to creation of jobs for women and youths to effectively participate in the implementation of project and build ownership through cash for work,” he said.
Njaga Khan, regional community development officer expressed satisfaction on UNCDF Jobs Skills and Finance project implementation in improving lives and livelihood. The project is jointly implemented with Kerewan Area Council and Department of Community Development.
He called on the beneficiaries’ communities and Ward Development Committees to be vigilant and ensure efficient and effective execution of projects.