Former Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) CEO, Sainabou Martin-Sonko, revealed significant discrepancies in contract handling procedures, shedding light on alleged malpractices within the council.
In her testimony on Tuesday at the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Sainabou Martin-Sonko disclosed that she encountered challenges with procurement laws at the KMC.
She admitted to interacting directly with top officials from the Department of Services without involving the procurement unit, highlighting a departure from standard procedures. “I found that the KMC does not always abide by the procurement laws. I used to deal directly with top officials from the Department of Services without involving the procurement unit,” Martin-Sonko stated.
Moreover, the former CEO expressed her frustration with the misuse of ward development funds by councillors, noting the volume of requests received. “I had a problem with this at the time. I don’t understand why we give the councillors ward development funds, and they come with these many requests,” Martin-Sonko remarked.
These revelations have brought to light concerns surrounding accountability and transparency in contract management and procurement operations at the KMC. Martin-Sonko’s testimony underscores the challenges faced in maintaining proper protocols and ethical standards within the local government sphere.
The inquiry further delved into Martin-Sonko’s admission of difficulties in refusing requests from councillors to avoid potential backlash or sabotage to her work. Her testimony painted a picture of a complex internal dynamic at the KMC, where adherence to regulations was sometimes compromised for expediency. The former CEO’s statements have sparked discussions on the need for stricter oversight and compliance with procurement laws in local government entities.
As investigations continue, the Local Government Commission of Inquiry aims to uncover the extent of irregularities and address systemic issues within the KanifingMunicipal Council. Martin-Sonko’s revelations serve as a catalyst for reforms and enhanced governance practices to ensure transparency and accountability in contract handling processes at the local government level.