The Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which is probing the administrative and financial operations of local government authorities across The Gambia, has unmasked a scheme involving fraudulent contracts, manipulated documents, and misappropriated funds in a borehole drilling project in the North Bank Region.
At the centre of the scandal is Nyakasi Kassama, the regional officer for the Department of Water Resources, who allegedly conspired with contractors to secure and profit from a contract awarded by the Kerewan Area Council.
The Local Government Commission presented evidence that Kassama, now under its scrutiny, misrepresented a contractor’s credentials, directed public funds for personal gain and approving substandard work.
Spearheaded for the benefit of the Darusalam community, the project was valued at D850,000 ($12,500).
According to testimony, Kassama falsely used the business documents of Momodou Sanneh, a contractor, without his consent to secure the contract. He then subcontracted Yusupha Sambou at a significantly lower rate, keeping a large portion of the funds.
Sanneh, the legitimate owner of Sanneh’s Enterprise General Merchandise, testified before the panel of commissioners that he had no knowledge of the deal.
“My company did not drill the Darusalam borehole, and the invoice submitted in my name is a forgery,” he told the inquiry.
Meanwhile, there are also evidence that suggest shady money transfers and kickbacks.
Evidence presented to the commission indicates that Kassama secured the contract under Sanneh’s name, then subcontracted Sambou for 450,000 Dalasi ($6,600), about half the original contract price.
Of the remaining funds, Kassama allegedly transferred D200,000 ($3,000) into the bank account of former Kerewan Area Council CEO Seedou Touray as a kickback.
Kassama admitted to making the deposit but insisted he was following orders. “The director of planning told me that the project was worth D850,000, but that D200,000 must be paid to the CEO,” he said. He also acknowledged taking D35,000 ($500) for himself.
During cross-examination, the Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez intensely questioned Kassama on his role. “You are a civil servant. You do not have clearance to conduct business, yet you were using other people’s companies to secure contracts and facilitate kickbacks,” Gomez said.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Commission has indicated that former Kerewan CEO Seedou Touray will be summoned for questioning as investigations into the matter continues.
