As Local Government Machinery Takes Shape

The Governor of Central River Region (CRR), Alh. Ganyie Touray, on Thursday presided over the swearing in ceremonies of new Councilors and the election of Chairmen for Kuntaur and Janjangbureh area councils respectively. Among the councillors sworn in were the 22 elected and six nominated Councilors for both Councils.

For Kuntaur Area Council, Mr Mamat Mbye, the Councilor for Kaur Ward, was elected as the Chairman of Kuntaur Area Council while Mr Musa Samura, the Banni Ward Councillor, got elected as Vice Chairperson.

At Janjangbureh, Mr Maku Ceesay, Councilor for Kudang Ward, was elected as Chairman of Janjangbureh Area Council and Alh. Kekuta Ceesay, Councilor for Brikamaba ward, became the elected Vice Chairman.

Addressing the gathering Governor Ganyie Touray said that the new councils were up against big tasks and urged the Councillors to strive to accomplish their tasks as Councillors.

He then spoke at length on the important roles Councillors play in the socio-economic development at grass roots level. He advised them to unite and co-operate in the interest of development.

For their part the elected Chairmen for Kuntaur and Janjangbureh Area Councils Mamat Mbye and Makau Ceesay, called on other Councillors to join hands and work hard, noting that Councillors are supposed to be development-oriented. They commended their fellow Councillors for the trust and confidence bestowed on them, saying that they would live up to expectations.

The ceremonies were attended by NAMS of the area, Desk Officer Hon. Sainey Mbye and party militants. 

Meanwhile Omar Sompo Ceesay of Basse Mansajang Kunda has been elected Chairman of Basse Area Council.  Mr. Ceesay, a young nominated Councillor, defeated Mrs. Mariama Jaw, the Councilor for Basse Ward, in the election held at the Basse Area Council Chambers last Wednesday.

The council is made up of 17 councillors- 14 elected and three nominated.  Mr. Ceesay polled 11 votes while Mrs. Jaw got six.

In confirming the story to this reporter yesterday, Chairman-elect Ceesay expressed the intention of the Council to develop the region. “Generally we would do our best to that effect,” he said. 

He added that they would draw a master plan for the council, which would include environmental sanitation and continuation of water projects.

This plan, he said, would be based on the needs and aspirations of the people of the region.  “I believe in bottom-top approach.  We would like to know from the grassroots the needs of the people,” he intimated. Mr. Ceesay added that they want to make an impact before the end of their term.

Prior to his nomination and subsequent election, Mr. Ceesay worked as a production and credit officer for Gamcot for many years.

Other nominated Councillors are Jumu Bah, Chief of Sandu, and Aja Kumba Kora, Lady Councillor.