The forum was the second held in the pilot phase of the citizen’s engagement forum supported by the UNDP pioneered by the Local Government ministry to among other things help the people meet their local councils.

According to minister Maya Moiwo Kaikai of Local Government and Rural Development, the concept is one the good things learned during a visit to Rwanda where a lot was learned in the area of local governance.

The minister spoke about the importance of local councils engaging the people on whose behalf they receive monies to carry out development programs.

He strongly warned local authorities not to use Secrete society to intimidate non members being the elections are fast approaching.

Adams Tommy of Local Government Finance Department emphasized the importance of social trust that such engagements will help established between the elected officials/service providers like councils and the people for whom services are provided.

He said governance especially local governance is easy but that a journey to where they want to reach has started.

Chairman of the Kenema District Council Dr. Senesie Mansaray explained through a Powers points presentation the development projects the council has underken and also various allocations of funds from the central government over the years, mobilizations and utilization of own source revenue, challenges and prospects that lie ahead .

The whole session was punctuated and climaxed by questions, comments by paramount chiefs, heads and representatives of devolved ministries and ordinary members of the public.