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toubab1020
12240 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Aug 2021 : 16:13:32
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https://foroyaa.net/what-is-the-current-situation-of-the-kmc-scandal/
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August 6, 2021
Readers would recall that the KMC CEO was reported to have been suspended from office allegation of fraudulent behaviour. However, developments are beginning to show the emergence of a crisis because of different positions taken by the Ministry of Regional Government and the KMC Mayor. This is clearly manifested in the following press release:
“Press Release Dated: 5th August, 2021
Re: Ministry of Lands & Regional Government Dispatches Inspectors to KMC, Issues Ultimatum
In the wake of the simmering tension that has engulfed the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) for weeks now, the Lord Mayor of KMC visited the Honourable Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Alhagie Musa Drammeh on Friday 23rd July 2021 and briefed him on allegations of fraud discovered at his Council. Following their conversation, the Hon. Minister advised him to formally write a report with recommendations to the Local Government Service Commission.
Before the receipt of that written report and to our utter surprise, on Monday, the 26th July, 2021, The Lord Mayor held a press briefing and announced the resolution of the General Council meeting of the KMC sending various officials accused of fraud on indefinite leave and withdrawing their statutory allowances. The Hon. Minister became aware of the press briefing and immediately called the attention of Mayor Bensouda to the fact that he has overstepped his powers and summoned him to a meeting the following day (27th July, 2021).
In that meeting, Minister Drammeh reiterated his position on the normal procedure as par the Local Government Act, 2002 particularly, the appointment and disciplinary matters that are solely vested in the Local Government Service Commission. He urged the Council through the Lord Mayor to rescind its earlier decision that is unlawful and improper.
Curiously, moments after leaving the Minister’s office, the Mayor signed a hand-delivered letter to the Hon. Minister dated 22nd July 2021 conveying the unlawful decision of the General Council reached on the 26th July, 2021 without adhering to the guidance of the Minister. What was shocking to the Ministry was the inconsistency in the correspondence. Even though Council passed its resolution on the 26th July, 2021, the letter conveying the decision was dated 22nd July, 2021, four days prior to Council’s decision.
During a phone conversation on Friday, 30th July, 2021 with the KMC Mayor, the Hon. Minister maintained his position that the action of the Council was unlawful and urged it to revisit its decision and submit recommendations through the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Local Government Service Commission. This is the competent authority on the appointment and disciplinary affairs of Public Servants of Councils nationwide.
On the 2nd of August, 2021 the Hon. Minister responded to Mayor Bensouda’s letter stating Council’s unlawful decision and his resolve to dispatch an Inspection Team based on Section 150 of the Local Government Act, 2002. Minister Drammeh also admonished the KMC to allow officials unlawfully sent on indefinite leave to participate in the recommended inspections.
To the Minister’s amazement, while the Inspectors were allowed entry into the KMC premises, the suspended officials were denied access even before the arrival of the inspectors.
Therefore, the Ministry intends to execute its full responsibility, strictly adhering to the Local Government Act, 2002, failing which, the full force of the law shall be applied.
Curiously however, the Hon. Minister received a reply to his 2nd August, 2021 letter with the Resolution passed by the General Council of KMC on the 3rd of August 2021 regarding their decision that the suspended officials remain on Indefinite Leave as per their earlier Resolution. KMC however, acquiesced on the payment of salaries and entitlements pending the outcome of investigations.
Therefore, The Ministry of Lands and Regional Government insists that its inspectors be allowed unhindered access to continue their work as of Thursday 5th August, 2021 and are expected to engage all parties by Monday including those sent on Indefinite Leave without due process.
Under the circumstances, the Ministry expects full compliance with the Inspection Team failing which appropriate measures will be taken.”
Foroyaa will publish the reaction of the Mayor whenever it is available.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11516 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2021 : 07:48:45
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Defiant KMC to maintain resolution despite minister’s ultimatum
The Point: Aug 9, 2021
By: Pa Modou Cham
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/defiant-kmc-to-maintain-resolution-despite-ministers-ultimatum
The mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Talib Ahmed Bensouda, on Friday convened a press conference and vowed to maintain the council’s decision on the ongoing alleged corruption involving the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mrs. Sainabou Martin-Sonko and co, of expecting that salaries of alleged individuals will be paid.
The CEO is alleged for involvement in the fraudulent land loan, which includes the missing D12 million.
The council suspended Sainabou from executing her work at the municipal council, which resulted in the involvement of the Ministry of Local Government, Regional Administration and Lands, urging the KMC to rescind its recent suspension of some council officials.
Mayor Bensouda explained that the council recommended to the local government service commission for the removal of five council members, while adding that the individuals are sent on indefinite leave and await the decision of the commission.
“The council maintains that it is a matter within the powers and prerogative of the council to send staff on leave in appropriate cases pending investigations into their activities by the relevant bodies. We will continue to apply the law and follow the due process,” Mayor Bensouda stated.
He added that his office received a letter dated 3 August 2021 from the ministry, setting out areas for inspection. However, the mayor promised that the exchange of correspondence on the proposed inspection will be made available to the public.
“Inspection of local government provided under section 150 of the Local Government Act is an important governance tool, intended to foster transparent government at the local level. All books, records, facilities, and personnel will be made available to the inspectors upon their request in accordance with civilized and orderly procedures.”
He reiterated that the CEO’s attempt to enter the council with the company of a TV crew was unfortunate, saying it’s the duty of all staff in public sector employment to have due regards to the code of conduct of officials.
Dwelling on the alleged audio recording, Mayor Bensouda said the council has appointed a joint committee of the establishment and appointments committee and the contracts committee to conduct a detailed investigation.
The ministry’s statement further urges the mayor to immediately withdraw his suspension of the affected officials and make an appropriate recommendation to the Local Government Service Commission.
Related Topic: https://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17776 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Mayor Bensouda summoned,Opps !
