Lamin Waa Juwara, leader of the opposition National Democratic Action Movement

(NDAM), and a member of the Interim Committee of Brikama Area Council (BAC),

on Wednesday commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) while

taking delivery of a host of IT valuables and office equipment.

The items were donated under the UNDP Cap 2015 project, which seeks to empower

local councils by strengthening their data banks. The donation included four sets

of computers, digital cameras, furniture, and book shelves amongst other office

equipment, all valued at D300,000.

Mr Juwara, who received the donation on behalf of the chairman of the Interim

Committee of BAC, expressed profound gratitude to UNDP describing the gesture

as handsome and timely. He assured the donors that the items would be put to

good use, noting that BAC will make sure that all the sectors of Western region

and beyond benefit from the data center.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adama Bojang, acting director of Planning and

Development

at BAC, expressed gratitude to the donors, saying that the items will go

a along

way in facilitating administrative work.

Mamadou Jallow, chief executive officer of BAC, said the gesture is a step in

the right direction. CEO Jallow added that the items will help the council in

addressing some of its problems, including coordination of its activities.

He thanked the donors and assured them that the office equipment would be put

to good use.

Lamin S Tamba, tax manager of the UNDP Cap 2015 project, confirmed that the

support was in fulfilment of promises by the UNDP to empower all the local

councils

in The Gambia. Mr Tamba urged the executive of the council to take good

care of the items.

As a show of UNDP's commitment to the cause, Mr Tamba informed the

ceremony that UNDP

will provide training for three staff of BAC on the management of

the center.

Sereign Modou Joof, public relations officer of BAC, chaired the

ceremony, while

Babucarr Jeng, an IT manager, gave the vote of thanks.