By Omar Bah
A taskforce that probed the former administration of Banjul City Council has found widespread corruption and inefficient financial administration that caused the Council unnecessary loss of revenue.
The taskforce which presented its report to Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe on Tuesday following a four-month investigation, highlighted that the past administration was not following Gambia Public Procurement Authority guidelines in procurement and “there was deliberate disregard for procurement processes.”
According to the report, the former administration made unjustifiable payment of salaries to non-functioning, non-performing and non-working employees which include over 40 so-called cleaners at a non-existing abattoir in Banjul.
The report also indicated that payments done from Council’s coffers without supporting documents were worth over D800, 000 and there is an entrenched practice of payment without authorization and missing vouchers.
In addition to loss of revenue to the Council caused by inefficient administration, the report indicated that the current administration has inherited a total liability of over D8, 000 000 to banks and suppliers.
Meanwhile, the current administration which started the investigation has indicated several measures to correct the wrongs of the past administration.
Mayor Lowe said they have already saved over D2 million dalasis for the Council by reducing bank accounts from seven to one.
“Arrears left by our predecessors are being paid gradually… Before the end of our tenure, Council will offset all its liabilities,” Mayor Lowe said.
