Omar Sampo Ceesay, chairman of the Basse Area Council (BSAC) has revealed that the council’s budget for developmental projects for the year 2010 is projected at D13, 250,000 (thirteen million, two hundred and fifty  thousand  dalasis).

Ceesay made this revelation during an interview with Daily Observer‘s URR correspondent recently in his office. He explained that 60 per cent of the resources have to be ploughed back to the taxpayers, adding that salaries of the staff of the council would also be paid from the said amount. On development areas, Ceesay said that D2M will be projected on sub-projects like clean water supply among others. He stated that his council deems it necessary for the whole region to have clean and safe drinking water.  “We are working with our partners for each and every village in the region to get access to clean drinking water” he said.

On education, Ceesay said that it is another priority sector for the council in 2010. He assured that the council will not relent to venture into the sector as it is the key to attaining Vision 2020 and the MDGs. Commenting on tax payment, he described it as a very difficult aspect noting that the council finds it difficult in collecting its revenue. “We are trying to figure out ways to enlighten the public to pay their tax on time. We will make sure that they understand that if they do not pay tax, development cannot take place or might delay,” he said.