Saihou Jawara testified before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Thursday about administrative failures at Kerewan Area Council. The administrative director admitted poor record-keeping plagued the council from 2018 through 2023. Documentation for donor-funded projects from UNDP and European Union remained scattered across different departments. Many vital records stayed locked away at the planning directorate rather than central files. Jawara acknowledged that formal annual reports never existed despite regular council meetings.
The procurement unit faced serious structural problems before 2020 when officials recognized the need for reform. Contract committees began operating after council leaders appointed procurement officers to management roles. Internal audit verification only started in 2022 following national audit office concerns about financial processes. Jawara relied heavily on verbal briefings from the chief executive officer rather than written updates. The commission continues examining administrative practices across area councils throughout the region.
The procurement unit faced serious structural problems before 2020 when officials recognized the need for reform. Contract committees began operating after council leaders appointed procurement officers to management roles. Internal audit verification only started in 2022 following national audit office concerns about financial processes. Jawara relied heavily on verbal briefings from the chief executive officer rather than written updates. The commission continues examining administrative practices across area councils throughout the region.
