Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), presented himself before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry regarding the council’s budget approval process, the challenges faced in budget allocations, and adherence to procurement regulations.
Mayor Bensouda detailed the comprehensive process for budget preparation at KMC. He clarified that councillors start by engaging with their Ward Development Committees (WDCs), whereas departmental heads confer within their individual units. The mayor subsequently offers insights on important projects. The budget is compiled by the finance committee and subsequently reviewed by council management prior to its presentation to the general council. The council conducts two to three budget sessions prior to finalizing the budget, which is then submitted to the Ministry of Finance by September 30 each year.
Nonetheless, Mayor Bensouda recognized a considerable obstacle in the process. He observed that although the council submits the budget by September 30, the ministry’s response frequently arrives as late as February of the subsequent year. “This poses a challenge as you need to begin executing your projects in January.” “I believe that needs to be addressed,” he stated.
The mayor also discussed challenges in budget allocation, especially concerning the 40/60 ratio between administrative and development funds. He clarified that vague definitions of these funds frequently hinder effective budget balancing. “We hold the 40/60 in high regard; it is a crucial aspect of our budget, yet achieving balance proves to be quite challenging,” he remarked, indicating that more precise regulations are necessary to clarify the allocation of these funds.
Regarding fund allocation to WDCs, Mayor Bensouda stated that he suggested forming an implementation committee to allow councillors to supervise projects without having direct control over the funds, a proposal that the council ultimately rejected. “I proposed that given the potentially contentious nature of this WDC fund, councillors ought to structure their projects in a way that allows for the establishment of an implementation committee.” The councillors should be involved in the project, but not in the funding aspect.
Mayor Bensouda reiterated his dedication to the decentralization policy, highlighting that its aim is to empower local government councils, enabling them to enhance Ward Development Committees (WDCs). He voiced his concern regarding the lack of intentional efforts to enhance capacity within local government areas.
He expressed his support for directing funds to communities for the management and implementation of community-based projects, emphasizing the necessity of sufficient capacity building at the community level.
Mayor Bensouda provided testimony regarding the council’s adherence to the regulations set forth by the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) in procurement matters. He communicated to the commission that KMC has obtained both verbal and written feedback, acknowledging it as one of the most compliant councils, while also recognizing that there is potential for improvement. He emphasized that the council has been implementing measures to improve its procurement procedures.
The mayor responded to an earlier concern brought up by the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC), which had criticized the council for failing to tender specific procurements, such as fuel and lubricants, maintenance, and bulldozing services. The council was under the impression that each transaction fell below the D500,000 threshold, making them exempt from the tendering process. FPAC concluded that when these procurements were summed up over the year, they surpassed the threshold and ought to have been tendered via GPPA.
Mayor Bensouda confirmed that the council has updated its procurement procedures to guarantee complete compliance. He indicated that the procurements for bulldozing, fuel and lubricants, as well as maintenance, are now required to undergo formal tendering via the GPPA.
During the inquiry, Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez posed a question regarding the implementation of verification mechanisms by the council to prevent procurement fraud. He asked, “When you have these reports, do you now verify as a council to ensure there is no fraud at the level of procurement?”
Mayor Bensouda recognized previous shortcomings. He observed that although procurement issues are referred to the appropriate committees, it is essential to have proper delivery notes and verification processes in place to guarantee accountability.
“These are lapses, as you mentioned regarding the council; we refer it to the appropriate committee, but there must be a delivery note and verification of delivery,” Mayor Bensouda stated.
