By Yankuba Jallow
A statement by Alieu Sonko, a resident of Latrikunda Sabiji and owner of Universal Technology Enterprise, has shed light on the contracting process within the Banjul City Council (BCC) for waste bin transportation and distribution services. His written statement dated 8 August 2023 was admitted as evidence during a public inquiry that is investigating the financial and administrative operations of local government councils.
The Commission, tasked with investigating the financial and administrative activities of local government councils from May 2018 to January 2023, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Sonko, whose business was established in 2015, was contracted by the BCC in 2021 for the transportation and distribution of waste bins. The arrangement was initiated after he received a call from an individual named Max, whom Sonko identified as an advisor to the Mayor of BCC. According to Sonko, Max informed him of the BCC’s desire to contract his services, and also mentioned that the contact had been provided by Momodou Camara, the former director of finance at BCC.
When asked about Max’s full name, Sonko clarified that he knew him only as Makumba, the Mayor’s advisor.
Sonko explained that his role in the contract was limited to arranging transportation for the BCC. He made it clear that his business did not participate in the distribution of the bins, stating, “We were not part of the distribution. We only provided transportation.”
His firm was paid D150,000 for 10 days of service, with the charge based on a per-day rate. Sonko also mentioned that he was asked to provide a quotation for the 10-day period, but that he had not participated in any competitive bidding process.
“I was called to provide a quotation. There was no competitive bidding involved,” Sonko stated, adding that the entire process was initiated by the call from Max.
When asked to produce the invoice he had sent to the BCC, Sonko explained that he had left it at his office but reiterated that the amount paid to him was for the truck services. He further clarified that he paid the vehicle owner, or driver, a sum of D120,000 to D125,000 out of the total payment he received.
