One of the several problems that continue to affect development of Kailahun district has to do with sour relationships among traditional leaders(Paramount Chiefs) and Councilors
A cross section of Paramount Chiefs
It is evident that there are poor working relationships which contribute to the backwardness and underdevelopment especially in post ebola communities
There are instances where traditional leaders are accused of not paying chiefdom and other charges to the Kailahun District Council alleging Council has not undertaken any development programmes in their chiefdoms
Equally,the District Council is blaming traditional leaders of not paying precepts to Council.The trend continues
The Inclusive District Peace and Development Committee members, after independent investigations found out that the sad situation is responsible for the many challenges and without delay a date was set to bring local authorities and Councilors together.The meeting was held in Pendembu where both parties discussed issues and suggested solutions to them.The Pendembu meeting was successful as it laid firm foundation for peace and the beginining of cooperation to raise the much needed own source revenue
After the Pendembu meeting,the Paramount Chiefs set a date for their usual monthly meeting in Daru.The IDPDC used the opportunity to facilitate the process and invited Councilors to that meeting to resolve the issue of revenue generation
Paramount Chief of Penguia…Jibrilla addressing his audience
In the Daru meeting over the weekend,stakeholders including Councilors,Paramount Chiefs and Community members unanimously agreed to collaborate and jointly collect revenue for the development of chiefdoms .It was a family meeting as both Councilors and tradional leaders mingled with each other.
In his remarks,District Officer Kailahun,Gadiru Kabba emphasized the need for effective revenue collection for the development of the district.He said in the interest of peace the people of Kailahun have to work together to harmonize revenue collection.
Executive Director,Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone said the issue of revenue collection in Kailahun has been very thorny especially when both Council and Local authorities accused each other of non- compliance.
He said both parties should strategize effectively to work together and raise revenue for the development of the district.
Chairman,Kailahun District Council,Alex Bhonapha appreciated the efforts of Fambul Tok for its tremendous work to bring Councilors and local authorities together to discuss pertinent issues on revenue generation.
PC Henry Baion reconciles with Chairman of Kailahun District Council…Alex Bhonapha
He said over the past two years there have been lots of issues especially dealing with revenue generation.He stated that the framers of the local government Act of 2004 did not cascade the Act to the understanding of the people.He said he welcomed the idea of working together with chiefdom authorities to get the much needed resources for the development of the district.
At the end of the meeting,Paramount Chiefs and Council agreed on percentages.The Council is expected to get 60% and Chiefdoms will get 40% of total revenue collected each year.
In the interest of accountability and transparency an agreement was reached for Council to print new receipt books to be signed by Council and Paramount Chiefs
However in the next meeting of Council of Paramount Chiefs,local authorities will present what they agreed on and endorse the decision.The printing of receipts will be done in four weeks and joint revenue collection starts after that.
