Last week, the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) convened a two-day meeting to bring together local councils and key stakeholders to review and enhance resource mobilisation strategies for itself and its eight-member local councils. The meeting aimed to strengthen local governance and community development.
The event, held at a local hotel in Kotu, gathered representatives from various local councils, development partners, government ministries and departments, and the national Assembly select committee on regional government.
Speaking at the opening, GALGA President and sitting Chairman of Basse Area Council, Mahamadou Ceesay, emphasised the importance of effective resource mobilisation for GALGA and the local councils. “As we strive for sustainable development, it is crucial that our local governments are equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to mobilise resources effectively. This review is a step towards ensuring that GALGA and its member councils can meet the needs of their constituents,” he stated.
The meeting was supported by the EU-UNDP GREAT Initiative, while the development of the resource mobilisation strategies was supported by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), through the European Union as part of the project “Strengthening Local Government as an Actor in Development”.
One of the key outcomes of the review was the recognition of the potential for public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a viable strategy for resource mobilisation. Stakeholders discussed how collaboration with the private sector could lead to innovative solutions and increased investment in local projects.
The GALGA president also encouraged the participants to think creatively and collaboratively as they reviewed the strategies. “Let us share our experiences, best practices, and lessons learned. Together, we can identify effective strategies that not only address our immediate funding needs but also build a sustainable framework for the future.”
James Monibah, project manager of the EU-UNDP GREAT initiative said the review and validation mark a critical step in The Gambia’s decentralisation and local governance reform journey, adding that the resource mobilisation strategies for GALGA and the eight councils reflect recommendations from the 2024 Needs Assessment undertaken through the EU-UNDP GREAT Initiative which aim to promote self-reliance and financial sustainability.
The meeting also addressed the need for improved data collection and analysis to better understand local needs and resource availability. By leveraging technology and data-driven approaches, regional councils can make informed decisions and prioritise projects that will have the most impact on their communities.
Claire Frost, Commonwealth Local Government Forum’s head of program, said CLGF has been working closely with GALGA over the last year to prepare these revenue generation strategies for both GALGA and the Local Councils in The Gambia. “I would encourage you to consider your current key challenges and opportunities at the local level and GALGA.”
The collaborative effort between GALGA, local councils, and stakeholders marks a significant step towards empowering local governments in The Gambia. By strengthening resource mobilisation strategies, the initiative aims to foster sustainable development, improve service delivery, and enhance citizens’ overall quality of life.
As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, the commitment to effective local governance and resource mobilisation will be crucial in building resilient communities and achieving national development goals.
