By Fatou Sillah
An audit of the National Assembly of The Gambia has raised concerns about the implementation and oversight of projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), citing incomplete works, idle equipment, and projects that could not be verified during site inspections.
The 2022 audit report, based on physical verification visits across multiple constituencies, identified a pattern of weak monitoring and inconsistent execution. Auditors documented several instances where projects either failed to meet agreed specifications or were not operational despite full or substantial payments.
In Banjul Central, auditors found that a constituency office had been established within a private family compound belonging to a National Assembly Member, deviating from the approved project plan. The report warned that situating official offices in private residences raises governance concerns, particularly given the temporary nature of elected positions and the need for continuity across officeholders.
“Using a private residence for an official office is not ideal given the temporary nature of the NAM position and potential changes in officeholders; NAS governance should ensure office locations align with approved,” the report says.
At the Bakoteh Football Field in Serekunda West, fencing work remained incomplete beyond the contractual timeline, suggesting delays and possible lapses in project management.
The report also highlighted procurement issues involving milling machines across several constituencies, including Lower Niumi, Lower Fulladu, and Basse. Machines valued at 285,000 dalasis each, including installation costs, remained uninstalled and non-operational nearly two years after acquisition. Auditors described the situation as indicative of poor resource management and a waste of public funds.
“This situation reflects poor management of public resources and represents a significant waste of funds allocated by the National Assembly,” The Report Says.
In Jokadou and Lower Fulladu West, four additional milling machines costing 380,000 dalasis each had been installed but were not functioning more than a year later.
Elsewhere, in Kiang Central, auditors reported discrepancies in the number of solar lights supplied. Of 40 units procured for 300,000 dalasis for communities in Medina Angelle and Jatta Kunda, only 35 could be physically verified, raising concerns about potential loss or misallocation.
In Old Jeshwang and Sannehmentering, payments totaling 600,000 dalasis were made for projects that auditors said could not be verified as of the completion of the management letter.
“There is a risk of inadequate monitoring mechanisms in place for the effective implementation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Projects, resulting in potential misuse of the CDF for respective constituencies in the country,” The Report Says.
The report warned of broader systemic risks, noting that inadequate monitoring mechanisms could enable misuse of CDF allocations. Limited access to project sites during audits further undermined the ability to confirm project completion and legitimacy.
Auditors concluded that weak governance structures could lead to project delays, underutilization of assets, and inefficient use of public funds.
In its response, management said that a dedicated Monitoring and Evaluation team—comprising internal auditors and technical staff—is mandated under CDF policy to verify projects and report findings. Officials pledged to strengthen oversight frameworks and improve coordination by notifying National Assembly Members in advance of future audit visits.
Auditors, however, maintained that the concerns identified in the report remained unresolved.
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