By Hatab Nyang & Louise Jobe
Ousman J.Bojang, the Governor of West Coast Region, has said that Brikama Area Council’s demolition of the structures to facilitate the expansion of the Brikama market was illegal.
He said to build or to demolish a structure, one needs a permit to do so.
Governor Bojang made these statements while speaking to Foroyaa in a recent interview at his office about the newly built market in Brikama and the current problems at the Brikama Area Council (BAC) concerning a resolution written by the Chairperson of the BAC against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Finance Director.
He further said that the council did not have the permit to demolish nor develop those properties, but recalled that there was a conversation between the vice president’s office and the BAC some years ago, to allocate part of Government’s quarters close to the market area to the Council.
However, he said what people fail to realize is that neither the vice president nor the president’s office allocates land. He said it is the ministry of lands and local government that allocates land, adding that even though the negotiation process was ongoing, nothing has been concluded on this issue. He said the concerned area is a lease area with residences, which requires a new agreement with the stakeholders to be transformed into a market.
Regarding the new market, Governor Bojang said all stakeholders should wait for a notification from the authorities, before they can have access to canteens or shops. He said the newly built market is entirely constructed by government, and it would be handed over to the Council to manage it, calling on the council to follow due process in allocating the shops to vendors. The Governor of WCR urges the cooperation of all and sundry in ensuring proper upkeep of the market facilities as it belongs to everyone.
According to Governor Bojang, he serves as a supervisor for the Council,but said there is a Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) that deals with all issues regarding local councils.
‘‘As it is, I am aware of what is going on and I am also aware that the Local Government Service Commission is continuing their investigations. The LGSC communicates to both parties and stakeholders, and as long as it stands, I cannot comment on the issue at this level,’’the Governor said.
He added:‘‘I have been told that the finance director is under suspension and that there is somebody overseeing his office. I am also aware that the LGSC is still in progress with their investigations and discussions, but I am not privileged with any information concerning how far they have gone and what actions they have taken other than the fact that their investigations are ongoing and some of the staff of Council could be found probably wanting. However, there has to be some substantial evidence to get rid of some people and some have already been suspended, while others have been moved to other councils.”
He also elaborated that the LGSC is dealing directly with the Council and the affected stakeholders.
