Banjul — The Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, Momodou Nai Cessay, has presented 64 pedal bicycles, three motorcycles and two vehicles to Kuntaur and Janjanbureh area councils at a ceremony held at the Commissioners Bantaba in Janjanbureh recently.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr. Cessay said the provision of pedal bicycles and others, was in response to the request made by the councils during his familiarisation tour. "I met with the chiefs and area councils workers who requested for pedal bicycles and vehicles to enhance the execution of their various functions."

Mr. Cessay expressed the hope that the workers will live up to expectation as they have got the required facilities at their disposal." It has always been my wish to ensure accountability and transparency in the area councils," he stated. He exhorted the staff of both councils to be committed to their job.

Speaking earlier, the Local Government officer at Kuntaur Area Council Baba Jobarteh thanked him for what he called his family's intervention in addressing their mobility. He promised that the vehicles, pedal bicycles and motor cycles would be used for the purpose they were intended. Several speakers thanked the minister for his assistance as well as the interest he has demonstrated by providing the materials needed by the area council workers. Some badge messengers, whose job is to run errands for chiefs, also expressed their appreciation for his good initiative, pointing out that the pedal bicycles could not have come at a better time.

The Commissioner Cherno Touray chaired the ceremony, which was attended by the MP, the local government officer of Janjanbureh Area Council and other senior civil servants. Senior officials of his department accompanied Mr. Cessay on the tour.