By Sarjo Brito
The leader of the United Democratic on Saturday joined the Lord Mayor of KMC and other party officials for a visit to the Serrekunda Market.
The purpose of the visit according to the Lord Mayor was for his party leader to acquaint himself with the condition of the market and have first-hand information on the plight of market vendors. While applauding the KM Mayor for the achievements he has registered so far, Darboe admits local government authorities continue to struggle in executing their duties, especially when it comes to funding.
Government subventions to Municipalities have been a longstanding issue as they accuse central government of sitting on their funds. The UDP leader promised a complete separation of powers between central and local government under a UDP administration.
“There needs to be a change of government. When that happens, Area Councils can receive their subventions as they should. A UDP government will reconsider the ratio because the amount central government give to area councils is like a drop in the ocean.
“The independence and autonomy of Local Government Authorities as enshrined in the Constitution will be respected. There will be decentralization as all powers in this country right now resides in the office of The President and when that happens moving forward becomes a problem. I promise that when a UDP government come in, there will be separation of powers,” Mr Darboe said.
The Lord Major of Kanifing Municipality Talib Bensouda said support from government has become almost non-existent in recent years.
“Every year September 31st, as written in the constitution, we write our subventions and request it from the national government. Every year we request about 47million. It is never granted. They tell us its either late or they do not have the money. But that is not the law. What the law said is that the money is ours because it is taxpayer’s money, and it does not belong to anybody. It belongs to the Gambian people and should be returned to them through KMC. That has never happened and that is why we are unable to do our work as we should,” he said.
