Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Director of Planning at the Banjul City Council (BCC), Katim Touray, on Monday appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, where he admitted to significant lapses in procurement processes and the handling of public funds during his tenure between 2018 and 2023.

Touray, who has served the council since 1993 and became its Planning Director in 2013, was questioned on a wide range of issues, including project oversight, contract management, and compliance with financial regulations.

The Commission admitted into evidence his three written statements dated June 16, 2023, October 2, 2023, and December 11, 2024, as well as his original appointment letter.

Led in questioning by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, Touray conceded that the council failed to produce an annual development plan during the review period, a statutory requirement meant to guide planning activities. “That is a shortcoming,” Touray acknowledged.

Touray also testified on his involvement in the Banjul-Ostend EU-funded project, valued at €3.1 million, which led to infrastructure developments, including the construction of the new BCC headquarters at a cost of D4.8 million, as well as additional community facilities valued at D8.3 million.

He disclosed that only one of seven public toilets earmarked under the project was newly built, with others simply renovated—some without formal contracts for workers.

One of the more contentious issues centered on the procurement of 3,000 plastic dustbins at D4,000 each—totaling D13.8 million—from Kebba and Sons, a local supplier. Touray admitted approving the transaction without conducting a market survey, which raised suspicions of overpricing. “Honestly, I did not do a market survey,” he confessed.

More troubling was the revelation that the contractor, Kebba, had lived with Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe from 1996 to 2021. Touray insisted he was unaware of this connection at the time of the award, stating, “Had I known, the contract would not have been awarded.” Kebba later told the commission that Mayor Lowe personally informed him of the opportunity, triggering concerns about conflict of interest.

Touray presented a February 2019 letter requesting restricted tender approval from the Ministry of Health, copied to the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA). However, Gomez pointed out that the process failed to meet the threshold for restricted tendering, particularly given Kebba and Sons’ lack of specialization.

Further scrutiny revealed that Touray not only approved contracts without consulting the BCC’s contracts committee but also personally received and disbursed public funds—practices he admitted were contrary to the financial manual.

In one instance, he handled funds for a proposed slaughterhouse project without formal authorization.

Touray was also involved in the EU-funded Crab Island Rehabilitation Project, awarded to Jalokolong, a company that eventually failed to deliver. He claimed the GPPA director at the time insisted on Jalokolong’s selection despite concerns about its capacity.

Among the funds Touray acknowledged receiving for various projects were payments ranging from D10,000 to nearly D600,000. He admitted these were handled without the proper oversight or documentation. “You were not supposed to handle procurement or cash,” Gomez emphasized. “I agree,” Touray responded.

Touray concluded his testimony by admitting he had not referred to the financial manual and accepted that many of his actions were outside his official mandate. “You cannot justify figures if you disregard due process,” Gomez remarked.

The Commission discharged Touray but ordered him to return with documentation to account for the funds he received.

The Local Government Commission of Inquiry continues its probe into the financial and administrative conduct of local councils, with the goal of promoting transparency and improving accountability in public office.