The Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher has reassured councilors of his unconditional commitment to foster the development of the municipality in this decentralization era.
Mayor Ekungwe was speaking on May 24, 2024 at the Bangem Council hall during the first ordinary session for the examination and adoption of the Bangem Council Administrative, Management and Stores Accounts budget for the 2023 fiscal year.
He highlighted that the overall draft accounts projected in revenue and expenditure include; budget, FCFA 890.200.000, recurrent revenue, FCFA 241.433.056, investment revenue, FCFA 301.500.000, giving a total of FCFA 542.933.056.
The Mayor continued that recurrent expenditure stood at FCFA 199.812.055, while investment expenditure was FCFA 242.348.260, giving a total of FCFA 442.150.315.
Ekungwe analyzed that this gives an execution rate of 61% (percent). In this light, the Mayor told the councilors to return to their various communities and do a proper analysis of potential revenue sources that can be exploited by the council.
He further disclosed that according to their annual investment plan for 2023, most of the projects were executed but their financial executions were below expectations. He said the bills of contractors were not paid, which affected the end of year balance.
The Mayor regretted that the council’s function depends solely on the subvention from the state which creates enormous difficulties to the council. “That is why the council has put in place credible strategies to optimize local tax recovery to beef up revenue”. He disclosed.
Development Drive
Ekungwe reiterated government’s stance based on the principles that decentralization must bring material fruits to all, particularly the poor, marginalized and the vulnerable.
He said cognizant of the hardship faced by the people of his municipality, ranging from farm to market roads, water, electricity amongst others, they will do their utmost best to improve on development initiatives.
In his remarks, the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema William cautioned councilors to be fully engaged in the activities of the council because they shall be accountable to their electorate. He told councilors to brainstorm on ideas geared at generating funds for the council.
Mungamgo enjoined the mayor to collaborate with the administration and his councilors for outstanding success.
Councilors React
During the plenary, Councilor Nkumbe Kingsley pleaded with the council to control waste disposal at Ebusco Hill, Bangem, which affects the hygienic condition of the town.
Also, Councilor Ngide Rose pleaded that a commission be formed to effectively manage sanitation in Bangem. She also questioned strategies the Mayor has embarked to remedy the aspect of old and abandoned projects.
The mayor in response said projects are under strict procedures to have them closed before re-launching.
At the end of the session, the councilors adopted the Administrative, Management and Stores Accounts for 2023.
By Glovise Forsoh
