The Niani District Authority in the Central River Region, last weekend held their annual meeting at Wassu in CRR North.

The annual meeting availed them the opportunity to discuss payment of rates and tax, indoor residual spraying, dangers of drug abuse and other issues relating to aliens in the district. The district chief, Pierre Bah called on the Alkalos in his district to always sensitise their villagers about the indoor residual spraying, which according to him, is to be held in the district soon. He urged them to cooperate during the exercise.

On the payment of rates and taxes, Chief Bah emphasised the need for timely payment, to enable the council to implement developmental projects for the people of the area. "If rates and taxes are not paid on time, the Area Council will find it very difficult to provide the public with amenities requested by communities," he advised. On the use of drugs, he urged communities, particularly parents, to help in the fight against drug trafficking in their villages, noting that the dangers of drugs cannot be underestimated.

For his part, Alhagie Dam Sallah, the Alkalo of Kerr Sait Maram, spoke at length on the movement of aliens in the region and urged his fellow village heads to monitor the movement of the aliens and to also make sure that they have valid and proper residential permits to live in the country. "Without these, report them to the nearest police station as this is necessary for national security reasons and the maintenance of peace and stability," he advised.

Other speakers included Batchy Jawo, Jay Jay Kanteh and Alhagie Abdou Ndow.