Africa-Press – Gambia. Kerewan Area Council’s Administrative Director has acknowledged significant gaps in record-keeping and weaknesses in procurement processes, particularly involving donor-funded projects over recent years.
Testifying before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, Saihou Jawara revealed that from 2018 to 2023, the council struggled to maintain comprehensive documentation of its projects and procurement activities. He admitted that vital records, including lists of projects funded fully or partly by donors such as UNDP and the European Union, were not readily available and often held only at the planning directorate.
Jawara explained that while some documents were under his custody, many were controlled by other council departments, making oversight difficult. He confirmed the absence of formal, documented reports on the council’s activities, stating that annual reports were typically delivered verbally at council meetings but not officially recorded.
The administrative head also conceded delays and lack of formal structure in the procurement unit, which only became fully operational around 2020 or 2021 after the council recognized procurement as a key area needing improvement. Prior to this, procurement activities were marked by oversight gaps. Jawara said the council responded by including procurement officers in the management process and establishing a contract committee responsible for awarding contracts.
Regarding internal controls, Jawara testified that payments and expenditures did not consistently pass through internal audit verification until 2022, after which the council regularized its financial processes following concerns raised by the national audit office.
On supervision, Jawara outlined that while the council chairman was responsible for overall administrative oversight, the day-to-day running of the council falls to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He stated that he relied mostly on verbal briefings from the CEO and acknowledged the lack of formal written communications about the council’s operational status.
Jawara’s testimony highlights on-going challenges within Kerewan Area Council in ensuring transparency, proper record-keeping, and effective oversight particularly in managing donor-funded projects and procurement activities.
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry continues its investigations into administrative and financial management practices across area councils.
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