By Saikou Jawo
In a historic and unprecedented move, the Brikama Area Council (BAC) has disbursed a total of 28 million Dalasis to all 28 elected Councilors in the West Coast Region (WCR). The initiative, which took place at the Council grounds, aligns with Chairman Yankuba Darboe’s campaign promise to enhance service delivery and foster grassroots development.
This landmark effort underscores BAC’s commitment to decentralization, ensuring that development is driven by the people who directly benefit from it. By allocating 1 million Dalasis per ward, the Council aims to empower local communities in identifying and addressing their most pressing needs. The participatory approach employed in managing these funds highlights a new era of governance, where decisions are made collectively with the involvement of Ward Development Committees (WDCs). These committees, which include representatives from various Village Development Committees (VDCs), are entrusted with overseeing the effective utilization of funds.
Under Chairman Darboe’s leadership, BAC is championing a governance model that promotes transparency and accountability. By directly involving elected Councilors and local communities in managing development funds, the Council seeks to mitigate fraud, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities. This approach not only fosters inclusivity but also instills a stronger sense of ownership among residents over the projects implemented in their wards.
According to BAC, this initiative represents a transformative step toward decentralized governance. It sets a precedent for other local government authorities to follow, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to address community-specific challenges. The Council remains steadfast in its mission to make development more accessible, efficient, and reflective of the true needs of the people of WCR.
As this initiative unfolds, all eyes will be on its implementation, with expectations high that it will bring meaningful and lasting improvements to communities across the region.
