The Basse Area Council (BsAC) has reduced the council’s liabilities of over D24M to D14,317,020 during the tenure of the current chairman.
The council has a closing balance of D6,303,428.65 as of January 3rd.
These revelations were made by the Chairman of BsAC, Mr Mahamadou Ceesay, during an interface with the media and URR rate-payers.
Chairman Ceesay informed his audience that his administration inherited a highly indebted council.
“According to the handing over documents received from the former CEO, the council was handed over to me with a debt burden of D24,199,206 with all council accounts at negative closing balance. The council at that time was struggling to maintain recurrent needs, particularly emolument of staff and daily operational needs,” he explained.
Chairman Ceesay further explained that the council devised innovative strategies and made difficult administrative decisions such as the suspension of servicing of bank loans in 2023 to navigate the turbulent financial waters.
He informed the gathering that the council welcomed 2024 without any salary arrears as last year’s salary arrears were settled, cautioning staff that punctuality and reporting to work regularly would not be compromised.
“The 5C Energy contract was already on the verge of collapse due to arrears to the tune of D4,164,134.71.
Fortunately, we renegotiated this deal and serviced D1 million to the company to maintain their service. To this end, we made it mandatory to collect all of our revenue using the digital system,” the BsAC chair highlighted.
He pointed out that land transfer fees have been a major challenge for the council in accounting for and ensuring its digitalization in 2024.
The BsAC chair highlighted that his administration succeeded in drilling boreholes in the communities of Sare Geda, Keita Ya, and Sare Gubu Muntaga.
He also explained that his administration has facilitated the distribution of health equipment to the health centers in Koina, Fatoto, Yorobawol, Sotuma Sere, Demba Kunda, Sabi, Sare Gubu, Perai and Basse District Hospital. The materials, he stated, were donated by GACH Global and they include bedside lockers, mattresses, walking sticks, and furniture. He said the council also facilitated the transportation of oxygen cylinders to the Basse District Hospital.
“Despite the financial hardship, we endeavored to do some emergency response with livelihood support to flood victims in URR precisely in Wuli, and as well to fire victims in Kantora. The council has also engaged in some rehabilitation works on existing council projects to prevent further damage. It includes the Samba Lolo Bridge and Nawdeh borehole. The council also facilitated the transport of young people to the gold-awarding ceremony in Banjul,” added Mr. Ceesay.
He disclosed that BsAC is working towards the completion of its office expansion project as he assured his audience that the council will not relent in providing cleaning services and initiating Tesito activities.
By Mama A. Touray. Thevoice
