By Alkali Cham
The local government representatives specifically the ward councillors feel they are being marginalized by the central government
This disclosure was made by the ward councillor of Kembejeh ward, Alieu K Darboe, in an exclusive interview with Daily News reporter recently . Honourable k Darboe mentioned that despite their direct linkages with members of the various communities, he further imply that key developmental role councillors play. Darboe said irrespective of this very huge tasks councillors play there is no salary allocated to them. All that is paid to them is a mere allowance and very poor allowance for that matter.
.He added that when central government appoints employees, they put them on pay roll immediately, the elected councillor said even the members of the parliaments receive salaries and they like members of the National Assembly they (councillors) are elected too.
Darboe, accused the government of not ploughing back some percentage to the local government authorities which is meant to support the councillors to facilitate their intended projects within their respective ward.
However he added that they receive on a daily occurrence more visitors within their wards, he related the visits, to the significance of their role as community representative .
Darboe, frowned at business establishments and individuals who default in the payment of tax to comply, he added that the tax collected is the source of development for the people . He added that there is an increasing demand for development but all this can’t exist in the absence of tax paying.
