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The Pujehun District Council convened for a pivotal management meeting today at the main conference hall, chaired by the newly appointed Chief Administrator, Joseph T. Gando.
This marks Mr. Gando’s second meeting since taking over from Sahr E. Yambasu, and it served as an opportunity for him to engage with both senior and junior staff members.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Gando expressed concerns about the current state of the office and its surroundings, urging for immediate improvements in cleanliness and the realignment of support staff roles to enhance efficiency.
He noted that many employees were underutilized and proposed reassignment to bolster revenue generation efforts. Specifically, he plans to streamline operations in the finance office by limiting support staff to one, aiming to improve coordination between the accountant and finance officer.
Highlighting the importance of revenue mobilization, Mr. Gando instructed the valuation unit to develop strategies for optimizing revenue collection from various sources, including property rates and business licenses.
He emphasized collaboration between the valuation and finance units to establish alternative revenue collection methods, particularly in the absence of a cadastral system.
Mr. Gando also outlined his leadership style as result-oriented and urged staff to avoid comparisons with his predecessor. He emphasized punctuality, warning of consequences for habitual lateness, and addressed security needs by recommending the appointment of an armed security guard during non-working hours.
The Chief Administrator announced a restructuring of management meetings, moving them from Mondays to Tuesdays, with plans for three core staff meetings each month. A fourth meeting will include the council’s political head to ensure comprehensive updates and progress reviews.
In a call for commitment and collaboration, Mr. Gando concluded his opening remarks, paving the way for departmental updates. The finance officer reported on the council’s impressive performance in preparing the 2025 district budget, having been one of the first five councils to submit their plans.
This achievement resulted in Pujehun District Council being recognized as a hardworking entity that consistently meets deadlines.
The internal audit department presented a quarterly report, reflecting significant progress since its recent oversight. Updates from the Works Engineer highlighted ongoing projects, including the construction of culverts and drainage systems, with 75% completion on RMFA-funded projects. The council is also advancing own-source revenue projects, including the construction of lockable stores and health facilities.
The Environmental and Sanitation Officer reported ongoing cleaning initiatives but raised concerns about the lack of essential tools and adequate staffing for effective environmental management.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Deputy Chairperson, setting the stage for the next gathering scheduled for the following Tuesday. As the council moves forward under new leadership, the focus remains on operational efficiency, revenue mobilization, and enhanced collaboration among staff.
