Mathew Kanu in Makeni
The Bombali district council is on outreach, holding its first meeting out of Makeni as part of its new plan to meet the people and discuss their activities with them.
In Kamakwe, the chiefdom headquarter town of Sella Limba, the council authorities brought together councillors, administrators and hundreds of people at the town Barrie.
Chairman of Bombali district council, John Shangai Koroma, said they had decided to move council’s sittings from Makeni to the chiefdom headquarter towns as a way to come closer to the people of the district.
He said that together the people would have an opportunity to participate in the decision-making of the council particularly on programmes and projects that affect them. He said the aim was to transform the lives of the people through participation and inclusion into the governance system of the council.
“The people are the owners of the council. We cannot do anything without informing you. We are merely there to represent and serve you,” he said.
Amadu Kamara, 28, who resides in Kamakwe said he was happy to see their councillors and asked the authorities questions on what the council’s “programme for youth in the district” would be, adding that he was very disappointed at the low turnout of women in the meeting.
“This Barray is jam-packed with men but with a very small number of women. It will be good next time for all women to attend this very important meeting,” he said.
The ‘Mami Queen’, Fatmata Bangura, said the initiative to move council meetings to Kamakwe was laudable and a step in the right direction.
“Council must try to move from its last position to the best council by delivering services to the people in the district. I am happy to see all the councillors in my chiefdom and I hope this will continue,” she urged.
© 7 August 2013
