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PRESS RELEASE CEOs FORUM COMMENCES FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR

CEOs FORUM COMMENCES FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR

The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Premila Kumar, officiated at the opening of the first Chief Executive Officers Forum of Municipal Councils for this Financial Year.

In the last financial year, the Councils experienced two major Tropical Cyclones that caused serious damage to their properties. These challenges are now compounded by the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.  These events have adversely affected Councils’ revenue stream.

“Last week, when I met the Special Administrations, I spoke about the importance of financial independence and sustainability. While most Councils have shown the capacity to collect revenue, I urge all Councils to understand the significance of adopting strategies that will improve the financial position of the Councils”, said Hon. Minister Kumar.

The Councils have been reminded to improve service delivery and enhance strategies to deliver the best possible service to its ratepayers.

Hon. Minister Kumar, urged the Councils to maintain transparency to their ratepayers and development partners.

“With good governance comes the integrity and reliability of financial reporting which are cornerstones of transparency and accountability”, added the Hon Minister.

The CEOs have been reminded to take a more holistic planning approach to avoid scenarios where capital projects face delays or cost over runs. She reminded CEOs to strictly follow proper processes and procedures in all aspects of the Councils’ business— whether it is staff recruitment, tender call and awards or dealing with compliance issues.

The Ministry of Local Government will continue to facilitate regular CEO Forums for networking opportunity and also enable learning from best practices of other Councils.

The Honorable Minister also thanked CEOs and former SAs for implementing a number of strategies to make Towns and Cities safe during the second wave of the pandemic.

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