The people of the Central River Region (CRR) are expressing strong condemnation over the recent decisions made by the Chairman of the Janjanbureh Area Council. At a recent council meeting, the Chairman approved a disbursement of D60,000 to elected councilors and D40,000 to nominated councilors for ward development, while allocating a staggering D4 million from the same funds to purchase a car for himself.
This decision has sparked outrage among residents, who feel that the Chairman’s actions contradict his campaign promises and betray the trust of the electorate. The funds in question, raised from the taxes of CRR’s predominantly low-income population, were intended for the development of the region’s wards, not for personal luxuries.
PLO Lumumba Jr. Omar Sanneh, a vocal critic of the council’s decision, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the Chairman’s actions. “Why always us, the people of CRR?” he questioned, highlighting the region’s long history of poor leadership and lack of development. “We deserve better treatment and better representation. Our elected leaders should prioritize the people’s interest, not their personal growth.”
Sanneh’s strong condemnation reflects the sentiments of many in the community who are disillusioned by what they see as a gross misallocation of resources. “Using D4 million of the council’s funds, which are meant for development, to buy a car for one individual is not only unfair but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the Chairman by the people of Janjanbureh,” Sanneh stated.
He called on the Chairman to reconsider his decision, urging him to remember the people who elected him. “The people of CRR North are yearning for development, not fancy vehicles,” Sanneh emphasized. “It’s time for our leaders to live up to their campaign promises and put the interests of the people first.”
The decision by the Janjanbureh Area Council has led to widespread dissatisfaction, with many residents calling for greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are allocated. As the outcry grows, the Chairman is being urged to revisit the decision and redirect the funds toward the much-needed development of the region’s wards.
The situation in CRR underscores a broader issue of governance and leadership in the region, where residents are increasingly demanding that their leaders prioritize the collective good over personal gain.
