Banjul
City Council on Thursday held a daylong consultative forum on a five-year
strategic plan, 2015-2019, being developed by the council as a guide in its
development of the capital city, Banjul.
During
the forum, city authorities, representatives of ward development committees,
city users, and other stakeholders deliberated on the content of the plan,
priorities, and strategic objectives.
Speaking
at the meeting held at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Banjul, Abdoulie
Bah, Mayor of BCC, said the council would never deviate from its mission of
taking the lead in the development of Banjul in collaboration with city
communities, the Gambia government, and other partners.
He
commended the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, for his continued support
and encouragement to the people of Banjul.
Sandigie
Njie, public relations officer of BBC, said the council remains committed to
its social contract with the electorate of Banjul.
“And
in that regard, we deem it appropriate and prudent to firmly set a solid
foundation by putting in place an all-inclusive strategic plan, which
encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of the city dwellers and stakeholders,”
he said.
PRO
Njie said every citizen of The Gambia is a critical stakeholder in the
transformation process that the capital city is undergoing.
“In
our collective attempts and desires, we want to see the lives and livelihood of
the ordinary people impacted positively in this transformation process,” he
stated.
Kemo
Conteh, founder and senior partner, Governance Development Management and
Services (GDMS), said the strategic plan being developed will serve as the
BCC’s roadmap in its mission to provide basic services and opportunities in
Banjul to meet the changing needs of the people and users of the city.
He
said the plan would serve as a guide in strengthening the institutional
capacity of BCC, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of city services
and facilities, creating and maintaining sustainable solid and liquid waste
management and environmental protection systems.
It
would also enhance opportunities for improved housing, transportation, business
and economic development systems, as well as upgrade the standards of city
road, street lights, leisure parks, sports and other public facilities.
Mr
Conteh said in the development of the strategic plan, they had conducted a
survey with questionnaires, focused group discussions, observations and key
person interviews with three categories of beneficiaries, stakeholders and
partners in the Banjul city community.
