The Paramount Chief of Dama chiefdom in the Kenema district PC Alhaji Momoh Sandi Fowai has complained about the lack of payment of salaries to Paramount chiefs in the country. Chief Alhaji Momoh Sandi Fowai of Dama chiefdom in the Kenema district says things have become very much difficult for Paramount chiefs in the country especially paramount chiefs of those chiefdoms in the country that have companies that are not operating.
The Paramount chief made this statement while addressing his colleagues and other stakeholders at a workshop that was held at the National Pastoral centre Dama road in Kenema city, where in he revealed that the local councils have taken over their major source of income in their chiefdoms living them in difficulty to pay their chiefdom workers or meet their administrative cost.
Chief Fowai revealed that some chiefdom workers have now abandoned their work for farming in order to make ends meet.
He further disclosed to the press that over forty million leones collected out of taxes in his chiefdom Dama last year is still under lock and key by the Ministry of local government and Internal Affairs.
This he said has further worsened the situation for his chiefdom administration.
He said because of this situation Paramount chiefs have lost their respect and dignity as compared to the past.
The Chief however lauded the effort of the Kenema District Council (KDC) for taking development programmes to his chiefdom such as the building of schools, court barrays and bridges. PC Fowai said he is pleased that the gari producing machines and the local weaving industry in the chiefdom are helping the development strides in the chiefdom to be realized.
The chief called on Descendants of Dama chiefdom, the government, Non Governmental Organizations and friends of Dama chiefdom to come to their aid and assist his chiefdom through any available means there by driving poverty away.
By Saffa Moriba in Kenema
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