Santa Council Targets 100% Project Execution as 2027 Budget Orientation Debate Identifies Development Priorities

By Martial Gnoukapasir 

Santa Council Mayor, HRH SAMKIE ELVIS GAHNYAM pose for a picture in his office after budget orientation debate

The Mayor of Santa Council, HRH SAMKIE ELVIS GAHNYAM, has called on municipal councillors and community representatives to prioritise projects that respond directly to the needs of the population as the municipality begins preparations for its 2027 budget

Speaking during the Council's Budget Orientation Debate session at the Santa Council Town hall, Friday, October, 9, the mayor stressed on the importance of community participation and realistic planning.

He said such debates are necessary, to help the council identify development priorities ahead of the budgetary session expected before November ending.

The mayor also called on councillors and representatives of the various village neighbourhoods to consult traditional rulers, village development associations and other community stakeholders before proposing projects.

He argued that development priorities must reflect the realities on the ground, noting that constructing a community hall or hospital would have limited impact if the community lacked accessible roads.

Santa councillors at Budget Orientation session

Providing an update on the council's activities, the mayor said the municipal executive was making efforts to implement its development projects despite the challenges faced during the financial year.

Among the projects currently underway is the construction of a modern market at Mile 12 and 11, which he said had reached the roofing stage.

He also announced the completion of a mother and childcare centre in Baligham, as well as a bridge constructed near Brigade Awing.

In the education sector, the council has supplied materials for a literacy centre at PS Mechang in Pinyin and is awaiting delivery by the contractor, with the construction of two classrooms at Government School Mechang.

His Majesty Samkie Elvis Gahnyam, further disclosed that the rehabilitation and extension of the potable water supply system in Alahmiti, Awing, was approximately 70 per cent complete, staying confident that the council will realize full execution of it's 2026 projects before November 15, which is the closing period for the current financial year.

"We are doing our possible best as far as the execution of projects by the Santa municipal executive is concerned," he said, expressing optimism about the completion of the ongoing works.

PROLOG Support Boosts Local Development

HRH Samkie Elvis Gahnyam, attributed some of the council's development achievements to the performance-based support it has received through the Programme for the Local Governance and Resilience (PROLOG)

He praised the council's executive, councillors, administration and PROLOG focal point for their commitment, saying their collective efforts has helped Santa Council benefit from about CFAF 500 million through the programme to carry out key projects next year.

Among the projects, implemented through PROLOG in the previous year were the construction of a bridge in Baligham, road grading, the construction of a market shed in Menka, Pinyin, and a toilet facility in Matazem, Pinyin.

Other projects included the construction of a solar-powered borehole in Mbe, reportedly costing CFAF 30 million, and the rehabilitation of the Baba I water system.

The mayor confirmed that Santa Council is ranked among the top three performing councils under the programme this year, an achievement he linked to the implementation of additional infrastructure projects.

These included the construction of a bridge at Mbepi-Mbesoh in Awing, road grading in Santa Njong and the construction of a bridge in Santa Mbei.

Other interventions cited were the construction of two classrooms, a modern office, modern toilets and a solar-powered borehole, as well as the construction of a bridge at Nkwindili in Pinyin.

In his address, the mayor expressed appreciation to PROLOG for the support, which he said had strengthened the council's capacity to implement development projects.

He also noted that the council had been awarded approximately CFAF 298 million in recognition of its performance under the programme, intended to finance subprojects.

At the  orientation, the mayor outlined key areas that should guide the preparation of the municipality's 2027 budget.

These priorities included improving basic social amenities such as potable water, education, public lighting, sanitation and market facilities.

The council is also expected to prioritise road infrastructure, particularly the maintenance of rural roads, to improve accessibility and facilitate movement within the municipality.

Local economic development featured prominently, with the mayor calling for support for small and medium-sized enterprises and the creation of employment opportunities.

Environmental protection and sustainable development were also identified as important areas, with particular attention to waste management, drainage and the protection of water catchment areas.

On revenue mobilisation, the mayor called for improved identification of taxpayers, effective collection of local taxes and fees, better management of council property and measures to prevent revenue leakages.

He further stressed the need to strengthen governance and institutional capacity through improved service delivery, staff performance, accountability, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

The mayor said the 2027 budget must be financially sustainable, participatory, development-oriented, transparent and focused on measurable results, while remaining consistent with government policies and the municipality's development objectives.

He assured the population that the municipal executive would continue working with the council and other stakeholders to translate the municipality's development priorities into concrete actions.