Gov’t subventions to NDCs should be increased

Dear Editor,

The challenges facing local government bodies, both at the municipal and NDC levels, are enormous. One major constraint is the inadequacy of resources to execute basic developmental and sanitary works such as internal drainage and irrigation, garbage collection, maintenance of dams and streets and environmental enhancement among others.

Now that the elections are over, it is time for government to take a closer look at some of the contributory factors to the underdevelopment of communities that come under the purview of local government authorities.

One possible explanation is the lack of confidence in community leaders to make meaningful changes to the areas over which they have political mandate. This explains low voter turnout in the recent Local Government Elections.

Part of the problem also resides in the lack of enthusiasm by community leaders themselves to devote quality time to the affairs of their respective Councils. The almost insignificant sums of money given to Councillors by way of stipends at the NDC level are hardly an inducement for them to extend themselves beyond a minimal level. This is reflected in poor attendance at Council meetings by those elected to serve.

I think it is time for the Ministry of Local Government to consider an increase in stipends for NDC Councillors to a minimum of $25,000 per month . The Chairman should be given a higher sum and a monthly travelling allowance to allow for closer monitoring of community projects.

More importantly the annual subventions to NDCs given by Central Government should be substantially increased to a minimum of 20 million dollars, depending on the size and developmental complexity of these communities. The current practice of one standard subvention to all NDCs regardless of geographic and population size has become anachronistic. This will help to supplement rates and taxes which are grossly inadequate to meet developmental and administrative costs.

It is time to inject new life in our communities which for too long have suffered from neglect and lethargy.

Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally