BAC HOLDS SECOND COUNCIL MEETING UNDER THE TRANSPARENCY PROJECT
The General Council Sitting of the Brikama Area Council took place on April 29, 2025. The session began with a collective prayer, followed by the adoption of the agenda for the day. The motion for adoption was proposed by the Hon. Councillor for Bijilo Ward and seconded by the Hon. Councillor for Lamin Ward. All members voted unanimously in favour.
The Council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting, which were collectively amended and adopted. The motion for adoption was moved by the Hon. Councillor for Wassadou Ward and seconded by the Hon. Councillor for Kanilai Ward.
Under matters arising, the Hon. Chairman reported that the AGIB bank account had not been closed due to a request for a financial statement covering the year 2024 to date. He also mentioned that Lawyer Lamin Jarju from Kusamai Chambers had been appointed to handle the Tanji matter and that the Ministry had been engaged regarding the Council’s assessment. Additionally, the Chairman informed members that security personnel had been deployed to Lamin and Old Yundum.
Furthermore, it was reported that a new Village Development Committee (VDC) had been installed in Casa-Kunda under the supervision of the VDC/WDC Conflict Resolution mechanism. The quarterly internal audit draft report has been sent to management for their response. As of April 29, 20 wards had received their Ward Development Funds (WDF).
Under updates, the financial status of the Council was presented as follows:
- Access Bank: D1,003.39
- Trust Bank: D2,362.37
- Vista Bank: D3,885.96
- Zenith Bank: D4,568.86
- GTB: D5,761.06
- Total balance as of April 29: D7,770,040.04
The Education Committee provided the following update:
- In 2024, 314 students received support through scholarships and financial aid.
- For 2025, 297 scholarship packages and 32 financial aid packages have been identified.
- An amount of D8,094,415 has been earmarked for the 2025 scholarship package.
- The committee requested a Council resolution to transfer D1.5 million to cover scholarship costs.
In consultation with the Director of Administration, the committee is developing a policy framework for awarding scholarship packages.
Under resolutions, the Council unanimously agreed to purchase a garbage truck, driven by the urgent need to enhance waste collection as many of the Council’s garbage trucks were out of service. The motion was moved by the Hon. Councillor for Kembujeh Ward and seconded by the Hon. Councillor for Banjulinding Ward. The purchase will be subject to mechanical inspection and approval.
The Council also unanimously resolved to establish an Auction Committee, which will comprise the following members:
- Chairperson: Director of Administration
- Secretary: Clerk
- One member of the Procurement
- Two members of the Finance Committee
- Two members from the Contract Committee
- One member of the Finance Department
- Two police officers
- One business representative
- One transport representative
- One member of the Receipt and Examination Committee
The motion to establish the committee was moved by the Hon. Councillor for Kartong Ward and seconded by the Hon. Councillor for Bwiam Ward. All members supported the motion with a show of hands.
The meeting was adjourned to a later date on a motion moved by the Hon. Councillor for Kunkujang Ward and seconded by the Hon. Councillor for Kusamai Ward.
Overall, the session reflected efforts towards structured decision-making and community accountability.
Prepared by:
Sarata Ceesay
Female Representative / Observer
National Youth Parliament – West Coast Region
