By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Western Region Sidie M. Sesay at the annual budget hearing stated that for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, NLe 750,000 (seven hundred and fifty thousand New Leones) was allocated to the ministry for start-up activities following the creation of the ministry, from which they started stakeholder’s consultations and other community engagements.
He said the start-up activities also comprised the setting up of their office and providing humanitarian support to victims of the Wellington Fire Disaster.
He spoke about the recruitment of two district coordinators for urban and rural districts within the region. He also said they have submitted a request for additional staff to be recruited, having maintained a sizeable number of volunteers.
Sesay pointed out that, for FY 2022, the NLe 1,000,000 (One million New Leones) budget they submitted, was approved and the same amount was given for implementation of the ministry's programmes. He said preparing a Strategic Plan is at an advanced stage.
He said they did a study tour of the Regional Ministries of Greater Accra and Central Region of Ghana and also went on a study working visit to Nigeria’s regional ministries.
He said they have also made community development interventions on Renewable Energy support targeting harder-to-reach communities, noting that they have facilitated the construction of a recreational facility and erected street sign posts in York.
He also said that the ministry facilitated the provision of boreholes in ultra-poor communities in the region and made livelihood support to women in Orugu/Madina community. He added that they have engaged in peace and community cohesion campaigns that he said involve community leaders.
He said for FY 2023, they will continue to provide management support services to the various Divisions in the Ministry and strengthen the institutional capacity of the ministry for policy formulation and implementation. He also highlighted the ministry’s desire to support and facilitate relocation programmes for slum dwellers.
Sesay spoke about enhancing socio-economic development in communities within the region and equipping community Leaders and Village Headmen with modern Leadership skills that will enhance peaceful coexistence and community cohesion.
He emphasized that they will continue to support communities to develop and implement sound initiatives that have the potential to improve livelihoods and the general development of their communities.
Sesay also spoke about the challenges faced which he said are multifaceted and dire, in most cases. He cited logistical constraints, with the ministry having only one vehicle that limits their movements.
He said they are faced with inadequate finance to fund activities that could have impacted the lives of the people. He said collaboration and coordination of development activities within the region also still present a challenge.
The Permanent Secretary then presented a budget estimated NLE 4, 354, 920 (Four million, three hundred and fifty-four thousand, nine hundred and twenty New Leones) for the 2023 Fiscal Year.
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