First 100 Days Have Been Challenging – Bo City Mayor

Mayor Kobba Musa of Bo City addressed the media at the Dr. Wusu Sannoh Building, Reservation Section, outlining both accomplishments and challenges during his first 100 days in office.

Mayor Kobba acknowledged notable achievements but emphasized persistent challenges, notably the shortage of waste collection vehicles and machines. Despite maintenance efforts, only two vehicles are available to serve Bo City’s population of 233,000, causing strain on waste management.

The mayor pinpointed the poor road network to the mile 5 dumpsite as a significant obstacle, leading to frequent breakdowns of available waste vehicles. Additionally, inadequate resources for the monthly general cleaning exercise further exacerbated their waste management challenges.

Expressing the need for an expanded fleet, Mayor Kobba stressed, “If we have a considerable number of functioning tricycles, trucks, and heavy-duty machines, waste collection and management would become more efficient, eliminating the necessity for monthly general cleaning exercises.”

Mayor Kobba revealed ongoing appeals to the central government, private investors, and foreign partners for support. Despite their persistent efforts, positive responses are yet to materialize, leaving the council grappling with financial constraints.

A major setback highlighted by the mayor is the delayed disbursement of government grants. He revealed that, since taking office, only one quarter of the expected grants for 2023 has been received, posing a significant financial challenge for the council and its devolved sectors.

Addressing non-compliance with tax payments, Mayor Kobba expressed concern about some individuals and communities resisting tax collection, even resorting to physical assault on tax collectors. Despite these challenges, he reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Bo City diligently.

“I am here to serve and not to squander your monies,” Mayor Kobba assured residents. He encouraged citizens to pay their taxes, promising visible improvements in the city’s services and infrastructure.