BAC Chairman Darboe Cites Lack of Government Support as Greatest Disappointment, Highlights Anti-Corruption Gains

By Makutu Manneh

Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), has identified the lack of support from the central government as his greatest disappointment since taking office three years ago.

Speaking during a recent interview on QTV, Chairman Darboe said his administration has often found itself struggling against obstacles rather than receiving the support needed to advance development initiatives across the West Coast Region.

“Instead of supporting us over the last three years, it has been a battle against us rather than to support us,” he said.

Darboe made the remarks when asked to reflect on his most significant achievement and disappointment during his tenure as council chairman.

Despite the challenges, he cited the council’s efforts to combat corruption and improve its financial standing as among his administration’s most notable accomplishments. According to him, BAC has reduced its dependence on loans and overdrafts and is now in a stronger position to finance and deliver services to residents.

“It is now able to stand on its feet to deliver some bit of services to the people of the West Coast Region,” he said.

Darboe estimated that the council has won between 70 and 75 percent of its fight against corruption but cautioned that the battle is ongoing and requires constant vigilance to prevent a resurgence of corrupt practices.

He also highlighted the significant growth in council revenue under his leadership, revealing that annual revenue has increased from D67 million to D240 million. He attributed the improvement to the hard work, commitment, and dedication of the council’s leadership and staff.

In addition to strengthening the council’s finances, Darboe said BAC has expanded development projects across various wards in the region and provided scholarship opportunities for students.

However, he acknowledged that substantial challenges remain. Waste management, in particular, continues to be a major concern, and improving waste collection coverage and efficiency remains a priority for the council.

Chairman Darboe also weighed in on President Adama Barrow’s recent remarks that corruption is as old as mankind and cannot be completely eradicated. While agreeing that corruption is a persistent challenge, Darboe disagreed with the notion that it cannot be defeated.

“No, you can fight it entirely; countries have done it and succeeded in it,” he said.

He argued that the key to defeating corruption lies in maintaining a sustained and uncompromising effort.

“No, you can win it today, and tomorrow people will want to slide back to it, so you’ve got to be ready to fight it every day. If they don’t stop, you don’t stop. That is how you fight it,” Darboe said.