President Adama Barrow will on Monday set off for nationwide tour across the country. The twenty one day tour will give the President the opportunity to meet with locals and discuss issues affecting national development. President Barrow will hold hold rallys and visit numerous project sites to assess progress and challenges.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, on Friday presided over the closure of the Tekki Fii Programme and launching of the National Employment Policy and Action Plan, 2022-2026.The President said, “The two events have a bearing on each other, with the Policy providing long-term solutions to the challenges that the TEKKI FII intervention sought to address in the short term. In view of the positive results of the TEKKI FII Programme, it is with a deep sense of accomplishment and much optimism for the future that I join you here in person.There is no doubt that we have made important gains since 2017, and the results of the Tekki Fii Programme clearly manifest this. The stories and results associated with it are indeed inspiring. Among other things, they give us renewed hope and strengthen our faith in the youth and the nation”.
Continue Reading >>It is that time of the year when almost everyone is grabbing a slice of watermelon as the fruit season takes on a fresh bloom bringing record supplies of watermelon in markets across the country. Farmers are enjoying massive bumper yields with fruit harvests beating most crops as markets welcome fresh produce.Watermelon is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide, the green fruit with a delightfully juicy taste, is from the Cucurbitaceae family, which produces nutrient loaded plants with many health benefits.As in other west African countries, watermelon is a profitable agribusiness venture in the Gambia, with businessmen and women cultivating massive productions delivering bumper supplies across the metropolis where established selling points are churning significant profits everyday.After a successful harvest season, the fruit is transported from farms to wholesale and retail dealers in all parts of the city. The fruit however comes with a rather short life span that makes it difficult to keep fresh produce for a long spell after harvesting. Without a ready made market, the fruit gets spoiled within a short duration but others have techniques to keep it fresh.Also making ends meet from the watermelon business are wheelbarrow watermelon sellers, trading juicy slices for pedestrian passerby’s.Watermelon Vendor Alfusainey Jallow has been in the watermelon business for years, he told us that the business has not been stable due to adverse variations of water prices. But attractive slices are still pulling customers despite the high price.After a grueling day at work, Omar Cham and his friends gather at Westfield to buy watermelon slices from Alfusainey to quench their craving and unwind.For most consumers its crucial to eat the fruit regularly before the season ends, as the chance to witness a bumper watermelon sales that happen once a year. On a hot afternoon, eating fruit with high water content keeps the body hydrated, according to experts watermelon is one of the fruits lowest in calories.The fruit is 92 percent water and rich in potassium and vitamins C, A, B and many other nutrients that blend to make the fruit a vital resource for beverages and smoothies.The Gambia’s shores are endowed with immense natural resources and watermelon makes significant yields despite environmental challenges.
Continue Reading >>The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that the commission elections of ward Councillors will take place in April, and polls for chairpersons/mayors will be held in May 2023.120 seats for ward councillors will be up for grabs while 8 local Government chairpersons/mayors positions will be available for contests. The announcement was made by the IEC chairman Alieu Momar Njie at the IEC-stakeholders consultative forum and the launch of activities leading to the local government elections at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on Wednesday.He said the IEC is currently implementing the activities of the electoral cycle of 2021 to 2023, and the conduct of local Government elections is key to the electoral activities.He said legal requirements were reasons for the scheduling of different dates for the councillors and chairperson/mayoral elections.
Continue Reading >>The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG), has put on hold its planned protest over the high cost of living in the country. The protest was planned to take place on November 11th. The protest was called off following a two-day mediation effort by the Gambia supreme Islamic council and Peace Network. The parties agreed to hold dialogues over the issues that aggrieved the organisers of the protest.The Coalition of Progressive Gambians called for a protest demanding that the government stem the high cost of living, promote transparency, and provide better services for the people.The announcement of the truce was made at a press conference held at the headquarters of the Supreme Islamic Council in Kanifing. The parties agreed that the Government would dialogue with The Coalition of Progressive Gambians.They also agreed that The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and Peace Network to continue leading the engagements between The Coalition of Progressive Gambians and the Government of The Gambia.The president of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Essa Darboe said the Islamic Council was concerned when it learned about the nationwide peaceful demonstration. He acknowledged that demonstration could be some kind of a solution, but suggested that alternative means such as dialogue can be used to solve the problem. The Chairman of the Coalition of Progressive Gambians, Seedy Cham disclosed that the authorities had engaged them in the planned protest and advocated for peace. He said the planned protest is temporarily put on hold because the government promised to address their demands. A representative of the Ministry of Information Ebrima Sankareh (not the government spokesperson) confirmed that the Government of the Gambia is a party to the agreement with the coalition of Progressive Gambians.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow received Chiefs from across the regions in the country, who were at the Presidency, to report on their recent visit to Guinea Bissau to pay condolences on the demise of Paramount Chief Fernandes Augustus.Addressing the gathering, President Barrow commended the chiefs for taking the initiative to visit Guinea Bissau, describing it as a manifestation of diplomacy at its highest standard. He stated that such visits help straighten relations between countries, especially given the importance of local government in a country's administration. The President further noted that Gambia and Guinea have a long-standing relationship that both countries proudly cherish. President Barrow used the opportunity to highlight his administration's achievements in improving the lives and livelihood of all Gambians. He acknowledged the concerns about the high cost of living, which he said is a global problem that requires concerted efforts to improve. The President cited the steps his government has taken to subsidise fertilisers, fuel, and even the reduction of road tax to ease the burden on the people. Additionally, the President said he is in consultation with partners to subsidise the price of essential commodities, which is already translated in the price of oil, and rice will follow suit. He disclosed that steps had been taken to minimise rice importation by introducing a high-yield variety. Touching on democracy, the President said some Gambians have taken it for granted to instigate people against the government but was quick to add that Gambians should be law-abiding and promote peace and harmony. He concluded that his government is doing all it can to deliver the much-needed development and is not stopping until that goal is achieved. The Ministers of Finance, Justice, and Interior addressed the gathering on the developments at their various ministries. They expressed commitment to ensuring a stable economy, peace and security, justice, and a corruption-free Gambia.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of Justice has announced that the government of the Gambia had signed a memorandum of agreement with the Government of the United States of America for the acquisition of a property for the purpose of building a permanent state-of-the-art Embassy in The Gambia.A press release from the Ministry of Justice stated that the 25-acre property which is currently hosting the West Africa Livestock Innovation Centre (WALIC), was chosen following lengthy consultations.WALIC the release says will be relocated with new offices being built for the Centre at the cost of the United States government. The Bijilo Forest Park Visitor’s Centre, which is a concern to environmentalists, would also be relocated to a new location. The procedure of the property acquisition will follow due process and will comply with the Laws of The Gambia. The Gambia Government promised that the Bijilo Forest Park will not be affected in the course of this exercise. “A team of US technical experts including environmental experts will be working with Gambian experts over the next few years to ensure that all environmental and other concerns are sufficiently addressed”. The release added.
Continue Reading >>Two suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The Police Anti-crime unit made the arrests on Saturday following a tip-off from the public. The anti-crime unit also seized a believed to be used to transport the stolen animals. Police PRO Binta Njie-Jatta, in explaining how the suspected thieves were arrested urged livestock owners to audit their livestock and claim for missing animals from the police. The Police also revealed that slaughtered animals were found at a roast meat vendor in Latrikunda German. The vendor was said to have confessed to investigators that he bought the rams from the suspected thieves.
Continue Reading >>Diabugu Xaabani, a community-based organisation, has commissioned a dump site costing 1.5 million Dalasis and a waste collection truck. The project is aimed at managing waste in the community. The Secretary General of the association Bahoreh Drammeh, said the objective of the organisation is to develop the community. He added that the community is prepared to initiate projects to complement government efforts. The technical director of the National Environment Agency Malick Bah, said the initiative eased waste management efforts by the local council. The director of planning at the Basse area council, Yaya Ceesay, applauded the community for their foresight and said his council will collaborate with its stakeholders to provide logistics support for proper waste management in Diabugu.
Continue Reading >>Reug Reug defied the odds to beat Jobis in a nail-biting grand combat on Sunday 23rd October 2022 at the Serekunda West Mini Stadium. The fight was organised by WRG Promotion.Reug Reug of club Tallinding Japoo survived a barrage of punches from Jobis of club Ebo Town Mbolo and won the Hon. Babucarr Mansally flag. The bout began with an array of punches and the crowd loved it from the start. Reug Reug finally turns the contest on its head just under the three-minute mark, by spectacularly wrestling down Jobis to the ground. Meanwhile, Tapha Tine of club Mara needed a little over a minute in defeating Armeh of club Sanchaba Ham Sa Chossan to claim the flag named after Jam Promotion. Elsewhere, Boy Faal of Brikama Mbolo wrestle down Quence of club Bundung Kai Bakh to win the flag named after Queen Jose while Bebe Biram was declared the winner against Seri Boy of club Tallinding United. Bebe General of club Nema Saku Ham defeated Jel of club Banjul Japoo to win the flag named after MC Cham Junior and Pa Mamadi Jabour respectively.In freestyle (mbapat) bouts; Arsenal of club Sanchaba Ham Sa Chossan lost through a warning to Express, Tapha Tine of club Bara defeated Bebe Nyolo of club Yundum Mbolo, Yareh of club Serekunda Mbolo defeated Bebe Chart of Paradise Mbolo while Reug Reug of club Saloum Mbolo wrestles down Tassayaram of club Sukutankulu. The event attracted a record crowd including the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Bakay Y Badjie, his DPS Musa Mbye, KMC Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensuda, Hon. Babucarr Mansally, GWA President Serign Modou Faye.
Continue Reading >>The Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly wishes to inform the public that the National Assembly will convene its Third Extra-Ordinary Session in the 2022 Legislative Year on Wednesday 26th October 2022 at 10:00 am, to debate over the current National Public Health Emergency regarding the death of at least 69 innocent Gambian Children according to government records.Sitting commences at 10:00 am prompt in the National Assembly Chamber in Banjul. The public is reminded to comply with the standard dress code (traditional/formal suit) required and also to observe the silence rule during proceedings of the Assembly.
Continue Reading >>Thousands of people thronged the Penchami Hall on Saturday to witness the maiden album launching of Awa Jonga commonly called Awa Gambia. The new music sensation’s taking over album got high ratings from music enthusiasts, the media, and many Gambian musicians. The Sen Petite Galle contestant attracts a large following on social media since the release of “meuno ci mann dara”. The event was witnessed by high-profile individuals including the First Lady Madam Fatou Bah Barrow.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the Demba Kunda–Numuyel–Manneh Kunda–Basse road at a grand ceremony in Demba Kunda attended by thousands of people from Jimara and Basse.The 14-kilometre road provides a vital corridor for beneficiary communities, enhancing access to markets, health facilities, schools and other social services. The project underscores President Barrow's commitment to road infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.After nearly two years of construction, the road linking Basse to Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel was officially opened. The President, flanked by the Minister of Works, officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and community leaders, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration.The road is fully funded by the Government under the Rural Roads Infrastructure Project, which seeks to decentralise development to communities across the country.Wild CelebrationsAfter the ribbon-cutting, President Barrow drove through the new road to Demba Kunda. Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering and thanking the President for fulfilling one of the most pressing needs of Jimara and Basse.As he approached Demba Kunda, thousands of people welcomed him with great fanfare and excitement, escorting him to the meeting grounds where elders lined up to greet him.The Alkalo of Demba Kunda, 94-year-old Alhaji Degumeh Ceesay Camara, went down memory lane, recalling when travelling from Demba Kunda to Numuyel and Basse was a nightmare."In the past, it took a whole day to travel from Demba Kunda to Basse, but now it takes minutes," the Alkalo said with pride, as he expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his commitment to the welfare of the people.He challenged the people of Demba Kunda, Numuyel, Manneh Kunda and Basse to vote for President Barrow, describing it as a duty and responsibility to enable him to continue his development agenda.Similar calls were made by the representative of the Chief of Jimara, Alhaji Julaba Ceesay, youth representative Swaibou Jagana, and women's representative Fatumata Kanteh. The speakers said all 87 villages in the area are united in their desire to keep President Barrow in power, describing the upcoming December 5 election as a foregone conclusion.They hailed the road as a major milestone that will open up Demba Kunda and Numuyel to the rest of the country.Veteran politician and NPP Regional Chairman, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised President Barrow for the landmark development, noting the dramatic reduction in travel time."It used to take 25 minutes to travel just 3 kilometres to Basse. Now it takes only 3 minutes to reach the regional capital," Bubu said to loud applause. He predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, saying his development track record is unmatched in Gambian history.The National Assembly Member for Jimara, Hon. Essa Conteh, and the Governor of URR, Samba Bah, also commended the President for transforming the Upper River Region through roads, schools, health facilities and electricity, and both predicted a landslide victory in December.Built to Last 20 YearsThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, said the 14km road is built to the highest quality standards and can last 20 years. Given its strategic location, he said the road is fitted with proper drainage to address perennial flooding in Numuyel and Demba Kunda, and will also be fitted with solar streetlights. He advised motorists to use the road with care.In his inaugural address, President Barrow said the road is more than a physical link."It brings better access, greater economic opportunity, easier movement, and a stronger connection between rural communities and the national road network," the President said.He noted that the people of Demba Kunda and Numuyel have long grappled with a poor road network that hampered development, but expressed confidence that the new road will enable them to realise their full potential.President Barrow reaffirmed infrastructure as a key priority of his government, with emphasis on decentralisation to reach every community. He, however, admonished road users and motorists to use the road responsibly and respect safety regulations.He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and promised to expand the road network in Jimara and the wider URR, disclosing that 380km of roads are earmarked for construction if given another mandate.He appealed to the people of Jimara to vote for him and called on all Gambians to exercise their franchise in December, saying the stakes are very high and the outcome will determine the future of the country.The President later proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Demba Kunda football field.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow's political rally in Allunhari was cut short on Monday following the death of the Chief of Fulladu East, Saibeh Hammeh Minteh Krubally.Chief Krubally reportedly passed away an hour before the rally was due to start.The community of Allunhari had organised a massive rally to endorse President Barrow and the NPP-led Grand Alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Thousands of supporters, including elders, women and youth, turned out in a show of force following days of intense mobilisation.As the President's motorcade approached Allunhari, it was met by thousands of enthusiastic supporters who lined and blocked the road, singing and chanting slogans in support of the President.Among the prominent indigenes present were the Honorary Consul General in Gabon, Saikou Dukureh, his wife Haja Dukureh, and Muhammadu Conteh, a prominent businessman and philanthropist based in Lomé, Togo.However, moments after the President entered the rally grounds, news of the chief's death spread.Bajoko Drammeh, spokesperson for the Alkalo of Allunhari, announced the death in an emotional tone, expressing profound grief over the loss.The announcement dampened the mood of the gathering. The late Chief Krubally was a highly respected figure in Allunhari and across the wider Upper River and Central River Regions, and his passing overshadowed the event.Following consultations between community elders and the President, it was agreed that the rally be called off as a mark of respect.The Imam of Allunhari, Alhaji Ebrima Kaba, paid tribute to the late chief and offered prayers for the deceased.Speaking on behalf of the President, the National President of the NPP, Musa Drammeh, said President Barrow was deeply saddened by the news and could not deliver a speech. On behalf of the President, his government and the Gambian people, Minister Drammeh extended condolences to the bereaved family and announced the abrupt end of the rally. President Barrow left Allunhari in a sombre mood, seen off by elders and thousands of supporters.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday presented a fleet of 40 vehicles to the Ministry of Interior for onward distribution to security services.The vehicles were donated by the Government of Italy under an existing bilateral cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening The Gambia's security services.The presentation ceremony was held at State House and attended by security service chiefs and senior government officials.President Barrow handed over the vehicles to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang.Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, Ebrima Mboob, described the partnership between The Gambia's security apparatus and their Italian counterparts as fruitful.He said the donation is timely and will strengthen the work of the security forces, improve mobility and expand their operational reach.Mr Mboob thanked the Minister of Interior for his support to the Immigration Department and the Police, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Italy for its continued assistance to the police and immigration in capacity building, border management and document security.The bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Italy in the security sector has been ongoing for more than a decade.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has officially inaugurated the Kabada roads project, a 102km road network connecting over 29 communities to the Trans-Gambia Highway and the Soma transit hub.The D1.9 billion project, entirely funded by the government, was awarded to Chinese firm Longjing Road and Bridge Company, which completed the works 13 months ahead of schedule. It is the first major road project in this remote part of the country in over 52 years.President Barrow, surrounded by officials and community leaders, performed the symbolic ribbon-cutting at a historic ceremony in Sibito, the main settlement of Kabada, marking the official opening of what has been described as a first-class road network linking more than 25 communities to the main commercial corridor of Jarra Soma.The completion of the project triggered wild celebrations in Kabada, with residents trooping to Sibito for the inauguration.Decades of Isolation EndThe Alkalo of Sibito, Fabubu Baj, was overwhelmed with emotion as he welcomed the President. He recalled decades of struggle and isolation, where poor road conditions meant little vehicular traffic and residents relied on horse and donkey carts to navigate dusty tracks.That situation, he said, persisted for decades until President Barrow fulfilled his promise to construct all roads within Kabada. He expressed immense gratitude to the President and pledged that Kabada would repay him at the ballot box in the December 5 presidential election. "Their ballot boxes will come to Kabada empty but will leave empty," he said, referring to the opposition.That sentiment was echoed by all speakers, including youth representative Ousman Jawo, women's representative Mariama Bah, Chief Lang Sanyang of Kiang Central, National Assembly Member Hon. Yunusa Bah, and Hulaymatou Jallow. They said the road network will open new economic opportunities, create trade corridors, and improve access to markets and social services, while also commending the President for providing electricity, water and ambulances to Kabada.Hon. Musa Njadoe, former National Assembly Member and now head of the Kabada Development Association in the United States, shed tears of joy, describing the project as life-changing. He accused the Jawara and Jammeh administrations of neglecting Kabada despite repeatedly winning elections there, and praised President Barrow for delivering roads within eight years.Quality and StandardThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, described the Kabada roads as among the best quality in the country, built to international standards to last. He urged communities to take ownership and strictly observe road safety regulations.In his statement, President Barrow underscored the importance of road infrastructure to national development, stressing that his government prioritises infrastructure as a vehicle for sustainable socio-economic growth.He disclosed that the 102km Kabada road is solely government-funded at D1.9 billion and connects 29 communities."The government felt the need to build the Kabada roads as part of its inclusive approach to development," President Barrow said, noting that roads create opportunities, open corridors for farmers, and enhance access to social services.He commended Longjing Road and Bridge Company for completing the project in 36 months instead of the contracted 48 months, describing the delivery as unprecedented. He advised motorists and road users to observe speed limits and traffic rules.President Barrow assured the people of Kabada that his government would continue to deliver development to decentralise growth and connect the entire country, promising to extend the project to the other side of Kabada."This long arm of development will reach every part of the country," he said, while urging Kabada to vote for continuity and progress.The state-of-the-art Kabada road is fitted with solar streetlights and other modern road furniture. Alongside electricity and water now available across the region, the once isolated and underdeveloped area has, in just three years, seen its fortunes transformed.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has warned the National Assembly Member for Banjul North of serious consequences if he leads protests to the State House again.The President issued the warning during the final meeting of his Meet the People Tour held at the Never Again Memorial Arch in Banjul, where thousands of supporters turned out.The event also saw the presentation of a D1 million cheque to eight women's groups in Banjul under the government's Women's Enterprise Development Fund.As with other legs of the tour, development and welfare issues dominated the discussions.Several prominent Banjulians, including Mass Axi Gaye, Pa Modou Mbye, youth representative and Lady Councillor Fatou Ngum, commended President Barrow for transforming the capital. They cited the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project as a lasting legacy that has rejuvenated the city after years of neglect, and pledged massive votes for the President in the December presidential election.Essa Faal of APP Sobeyaa said Banjul has changed thanks to massive investment in infrastructure. "Banjul has better and cleaner roads now, with its mosquito-infested gutters all covered," he said. He cited the new fish smoking market and the construction of the KG5 mini-stadium as further evidence of transformation.The former TRRC Lead Counsel defended his alliance with President Barrow, saying it came after careful reflection. He described Barrow as the only candidate with a proven development track record and noted his implementation of some TRRC recommendations. He predicted a landslide victory for the President in December.NPP Regional Chairman Alhaji Ousman Wadda and Deputy Mayor Aziz Dabakh Gaye also praised the President for the infrastructural transformation of Banjul, which they said will define his legacy. Mr Wadda disclosed that thousands of Banjulians have registered for the upcoming election and pledged victory for the President.The Deputy Mayor recalled past difficulties when residents had to be mobilised to clean open gutters, commending the President for taking up the challenge after decades of neglect.The meeting witnessed the presentation of D1 million to eight women's groups to support their economic activities under the Women's Enterprise Development Fund.The NAM for Banjul Central, Hon. Mam Abdoulie Njai, said President Barrow deserves another term given his development record over the past ten years. He appealed to the President to sponsor a football tournament to celebrate the completion of the KG5 mini-stadium, which he suggested should be renamed the Biri Biri Mini-Stadium in honour of the football icon.Regional Coordinator for Banjul, Ebrima Jawo, echoed similar sentiments and warned against the opposition. He also thanked the government for renovation works at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), which he said have significantly improved services.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, praised President Barrow's inclusive leadership and commitment to people's welfare. He thanked partners and stakeholders for a successful tour and made a final appeal for Gambians to vote for President Barrow. He also defended the government's handling of the economy, arguing that prices of basic commodities are lower in The Gambia compared to neighbouring countries.President Warns Against ProtestsIn his closing remarks, President Barrow advised the media to be independent, responsible and neutral, noting their role in portraying a positive image of the country.Addressing the recent electricity protests in the capital, the President accused the NAM for Banjul North of mobilising teenagers for a candlelight vigil at the State House. He described such acts as treasonous and warned against actions that risk destabilising the country.He warned the lawmaker of serious consequences if repeated, and called on people to respect the law and the sanctity of State House as the seat of government. He urged the people of Banjul North to replace the NAM in the next election, accusing him of failing his constituents.President Barrow thanked the people of Banjul for the massive turnout and appealed for a massive voter turnout in December.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has promised to replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda to modernise one of The Gambia's largest urban centres.The President pledged at a meeting in Serekunda as his Meet the People Tour entered the Kanifing Municipality (KM). He also warned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians for selfish political ends.President Barrow and his entourage were warmly received as his motorcade approached Serekunda School football field, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the meeting.The gathering was dominated by calls for continued support for President Barrow and the NPP-led Alliance.The Alkalo of Bundung, Saikou Konateh, thanked the President for solving the persistent water problems in Bundung, noting that water is now available. He pledged to mobilise his constituents to vote for President Barrow as a show of gratitude.Veteran politician and native of Serekunda, Hon. Kebba Jallow, urged the people of KM to abandon the opposition and embrace the ruling alliance, which he said has the welfare of the people at heart.Lady Councillor Anna Mbye, youth representative Mbayam Ceesay, and NPP Regional Chairman Mustafa Touray highlighted developments in KM under President Barrow, including the construction of roads, expansion of education and improved water supply.They, however, decried the poor state of services under the current municipal leadership, particularly the lack of water and toilet facilities at the Sandika and Serekunda markets, and urged voters to change the leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).Former NAM for Latrikunda Sabiji, Hon. Saikou Marong, said KM has immensely benefited from President Barrow's projects, citing roads built across the municipality as evidence.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, defended President Barrow's nine-year record as "development politics that delivers results."He argued that politics should not be about empty rhetoric but tangible results that improve lives. He disclosed that the government has launched a $45 million WACA project to develop the Kotu stream that runs through KM. According to him, the project will build bridges, promote economic activity, eliminate flooding and improve livelihoods. He appealed to the people of KM to vote for President Barrow in December to continue his development agenda."Serekunda Deserves Better"In his address, President Barrow praised the impressive turnout, saying it provided a unique opportunity to dialogue on national issues. He noted that Serekunda holds a special place as one of the country's biggest settlements.He challenged the people of KM to "rectify their political mistakes" by electing authorities willing to work with the central government to deliver development. While acknowledging massive developments in the last decade, he lamented the lack of cooperation from municipal authorities, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities while living in luxury."This situation must change. KM deserves better," the President said, citing poor waste collection and the absence of water and toilet facilities in markets.President Barrow warned youth against being used as pawns by politicians, noting that during recent protests, many participants were children allegedly paid to vandalise public property. He urged them to desist from acts that undermine peace.Development Plan for SerekundaOutlining his programme, President Barrow disclosed plans to:Replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda.Ensure 24-hour water and electricity supply.Sign a contract with an international company to collect and recycle waste from KM into renewable energy.Decommission the Bakoteh dumpsite and reclaim the land to build a garage and market for the people of KM.He challenged the people of Serekunda to take their destiny into their own hands and vote for progress, stating that the NPP-led Alliance stands for development, peace and stability.The tour continues in Kanifing Municipality with a meeting in Manjai Kunda.
Continue Reading >>
