Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has formally submitted its written response to the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly, addressing a series of serious audit queries contained in the committee’s recently adopted report.
In a letter dated August 5, 2025, addressed to the FPAC Chair, KMC said it appreciated the opportunity to respond to the findings and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management.
The council indicated that it had provided and attached all relevant supporting documentation for the committee’s review, expressing hope that the materials would bring clarity and assist in resolving the issues raised.
The FPAC report, adopted by lawmakers on July 3, 2025, followed extensive scrutiny of KMC’s financial management and exposed deep-rooted governance challenges.
Key audit queries highlighted in the report included missing payment vouchers amounting to over GMD 7.6 million, unaccounted funds of GMD 60,000, a misstatement of GMD 125,780, and a shortage of GMD 121,806 in the MBALIT account.
Other issues involved gaps in the council’s establishment register, missing audit trails in the Matrix system, and questions surrounding GTRS transactions.
Particularly troubling were unresolved allegations of fraud and misconduct, including a GMD 12 million loan for land purchases for senior management, the deletion of GMD 297,941.43 from records, and an alleged solicitation of a GMD 30,000 bribe.
The FPAC report also questioned mechanisms for recovering more than GMD 495 million over the 2020 fiscal year.
Presented to the National Assembly by Honourable Alagie Darboe, the report sparked urgent calls from lawmakers for stronger accountability measures. Members expressed alarm at what they described as persistent lapses in public financial management within KMC and urged the council to take decisive corrective action.
The submission of KMC’s written response marks a key step in the ongoing process, with FPAC expected to review the council’s explanations and documentation before determining the next course of action.
