Port Loko District Council formally launched the EU Project ON 28^th September, 2018.The event attracted members of parliament ,Councilors, Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society, Heads of Devolved Sectors and Government Departments ,the EU Delegation  and the fourth Estate.

During the launch, the Head of EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, Tom Venn commended the Council for efforts in securing the EU funds after a very tight competitive call for proposal.

He said EU focused on promoting local governance and creating a platform for public participation in decision making. He said the project is expected to cushion the bottle necks that have hindered capacity building and overall service delivery in the district.

He could not hide his feelings for the mammoth turnout by all stakeholders in the launch of the EU Project. He assured all of EU continued support in strengthening local councils for effective and efficient service delivery.

The District Chairman, Ibrahim S Bangura welcomed the EU Boss and tendered his commendation to the EU for selecting his Council. He said the EU was design in the best interest of the people and Local Councils, therefore stressed that Council will ensure that the objective of the project is met and impact achieved.

The Chief Administrator, Raman Tom Farmar says the relationship with EU will continue and Council will demonstrate outright commitment to the overall success of the project. He said transparency and accountability has been a widely acclaimed practice/virtue of Port Loko District Council and the EU will not be an exception.

The EU project is expected to build the capacity of Council staff and chiefdom functionaries, review Council’s Development Plan and provided the much needed support for revenue mobilization in the district.

Port Loko District Council through funds from the European Union Funded Council Project has procured two brand new Hilux Van and Seven Motor Bikes for Council’s operation.

The challenge with mobility had been a felt need of the Council coupled with the need to monitor and supervised projects. Before the EU support, Council had only one functional vehicle that was overused for all Council operations. Therefore, the procurement of the Vehicles and Motor Bikes would not only support the goal of the EU Project but also serve a conscious approach to improve service delivery in the district, given that transportation is crucial to reaching out with development to the people.

In addition, transportation has always been a stumbling block to Council revenue drive particularly for the distribution of demand notices and enforcement. It is expected that the motor bikes ad vehicle will help support the revenue department in harnessing the  revenue potentials in the entire district ,covering Port Loko  Lunar, Lungi and Masiaka.

In an exclusive interview with the Chairman, Ibrahim Santigie Bangura ,he expressed how thrilled he was to have receive such a big boost from the EU  , describing it as unprecedented. He assured all that Council will ensure judicious use of the vehicles and Bikes and also maintain regular maintenance.

The Chief Administrator, Raman Tom Farmar says the lack of mobility was indeed a barrier toe effective service delivery in the district but was optimistic that with the support from EU Council is now placed in a comfortable position to carry out the normal operations of Council.

Residents of Port Loko and Councillors have hailed the current Council administration for such a laudable step, underpinning the growing demand for the presence of Council in all Twenty-Eight Wards.