The
secretary general and party leader of United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer
Ousainou Darboe on Saturday affirmed that the city of Banjul is sinking, adding
the central government has a big responsibility to gentrify the city.
The
veteran politician made the pronouncement at a rally held in Banjul, while
emphasising that Banjul is sinking and needs assistance; describing it as the
only city that doesn’t have a cinema, supermarket and other social amenities.
“There
were supermarkets and cinemas when I was going to school in Banjul but there is
none now. To reform Banjul, is not only
the responsibility of the council but the central government has a big
responsibility.”
He
affirmed that UDP would work with Banjul City Council, in order to reform and
restructure Banjul.
Rohey
Malick Lowe, the mayoress of Banjul called for unity of Banjulians; adding they
‘can fall a mountain by doing so.’
On
her campaign promise to empower women and youth, Lowe indicated that after
being elected, she brought together well experienced Banjulianas to work as a
team.
“At
the time of coming to the office, we found many ghost-workers but thank God,
90% of them are now out. There was no record office as well and they were
employing people based on relationship but we are now able to provide a record
office. That helps us to maximize our revenue to 42% in 21 months,” Lowe
stated.
She
highlighted that her council is in the process of building an abattoir and
toilets at the market and they are near completion. She added that they are now
constructing 10 stores for the women to help them keep their stuffs after
sales.
Mayoress
revealed to the gathering that the council had paid in full the counterpart
contribution asked by Gamworks to build the youth center in Banjul, which cost
about 22 million dalasis.
“The
council is assisting hundreds of people at the university and had sent 36
people to undergo capacity building training abroad. We had shortlisted 11
Oustass to study in turkey.”
