By Makutu Manneh
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry yesterday received testimonies from three former Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) councillors, who confirmed receiving payments of D10,000 each for a market exercise, despite not attending entire duration of the assignment.
The commission noted that the councillors collectively received D260,000 for a 2018 market sensitization exercise, with a stipulated payment of D400 per day over 25 days. An attendance list for the exercise was presented as evidence.
Musa Cham, former London Corner Ward Councillor, was the first to testify. He admitted to attending only two or three days of the exercise, but still collected the full D10,000.
Deputy Counsel Sunkary Camara questioned him:
“Now, will you be surprised to know that some councillors stated this market exercise went on for 24 days?”
Cham responded, “I cannot speak for other councillors, but I am certain I conducted the exercise for less than 25 days.”
When provided with the attendance list, Cham acknowledged signing for 25 days. Asked why he signed for all 25 days despite attending only three, he explained:
“The attendance was signed in a day for 25 days. I was told to sign for 25 days.”
He conceded that receiving more than he worked for was wrong.
Lamin Tombong Jarju, former Manjai Kunda Kotu Ward Councillor, also admitted participating in the exercise for less than two weeks. However, he claimed his signature on the attendance list was forged.
“This is not my signature, and I am not the one who wrote my name on this list,” Jarju stated.
When asked how he received payment, he explained, “I received the money from the cashier and signed, but I did not sign the 25-day attendance list.” He further testified that he was unaware of the D400 daily rate.
Momodou M. Drammeh, former Dippa Kunda Ward Councillor, confirmed receiving D10,000 but said he could not recall tell how many days the exercise lasted or for how many days he signed the attendance list.
He said the first day of the exercise was at Serrekunda Market, where councillors were divided into groups for sensitization efforts. However, he admitted his memory of the event was vague.
“We were sensitizing shopkeepers to renew their contracts. There were other agendas, but I cannot remember,” Drammeh stated.
Counsel Camara pressed him: “Mr. Drammeh, what can you remember?”
The witness admitted he could not recall who managed the attendance lists or specific details of the exercise, but believed he participated for more than two weeks.
The inquiry continues as the commission seeks to clarify discrepancies in the payments and attendance records.
