By: Fatoumatta Krubally
Mr. Farimang Manneh, the President of Eco-Tech Africa, appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry for the second time, providing crucial testimony regarding his company’s contract with the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). Eco-Tech Africa was contracted to handle revenue collection using specialized machines, a project that was intended to enhance the council’s financial operations.
During his testimony on Monday, December 9, 2024, Mr. Manneh highlighted that KMC employees initially received training on how to operate these machines, which are vital for efficient revenue collection. However, he noted a troubling decline in machine usage, stating, “The employees of the KMC were trained on how to use the machines, but they stopped using them about two years ago.” This lapse raises significant questions about the operational effectiveness of the project and the council’s commitment to maximizing its resources.
The contractual agreement, as outlined in Clause 4, required both KMC and Eco-Tech Africa to engage in monthly reconciliations to ensure transparency. Mr. Manneh revealed that this practice was only upheld for a year, saying, “We used to conduct the reconciliations for only one year.” The lack of ongoing reconciliations has raised concerns regarding financial oversight and accountability in the management of public funds.
Mr. Manneh also discussed the financial aspects of the agreement, which stipulated a baseline revenue of One Million Six Hundred Thousand Dalasi (D1,600,000), with any earnings above this threshold split between KMC and Eco-Tech Africa. He pointed out the profitability of the project, stating, “We used to make Seventeen Million Dalasi (D17,000,000) in a year just from the ‘Mbalit’ project.” This highlights the significant potential revenue that could benefit both parties if the contract was managed effectively.
The testimony of Mr. Manneh underscores the importance of adhering to contractual obligations and maintaining transparency in public service. The community is left questioning the effectiveness of the partnership between KMC and Eco-Tech Africa, particularly in light of the operational challenges and financial discrepancies revealed during the inquiry. As the investigation continues, the implications of Mr. Manneh’s statements will undoubtedly be scrutinized by both the media and the public, emphasizing the need for accountability in governance and the management of municipal resources.