Presiding as Chief Guest of Honour, the Vice President described the state-of-the-art facility as a shining example of what strong international partnerships and visionary local leadership can deliver. The centre, developed through collaboration between the Banjul City Council, the European Union and the City of Ostend, stands as a symbol of shared commitment to building a greener, more resilient and prosperous future.
“This Centre reflects our collective determination to confront climate change, environmental degradation and urban pressures through innovation, knowledge-sharing and community engagement,” Vice President Jallow stated, reaffirming government’s commitment to advancing sustainable development, inclusive growth and environmental protection.
The facility, one of the most modern of its kind in the country, features an 800-seat multi-purpose hall, community radio and recording studios to amplify Gambian voices, an innovation hub to nurture entrepreneurship, IT training laboratories, co-working spaces, and arts and cultural centres. It also incorporates green recreational areas designed to promote environmental awareness and community wellbeing.
For coastal cities like Banjul, the Vice President emphasised, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, as rising sea levels and changing weather patterns continue to pose serious threats. He noted that the centre will serve as a critical hub for research, learning and collaboration, empowering especially young people with the tools to drive sustainable solutions.
In her remarks, Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe described the centre as a proud legacy project born out of a bold vision to transform Banjul into a beacon of innovation, resilience and opportunity not only for The Gambia but for the wider West African region.
“This building is the fruit of a vision I hold deeply for our city Banjul, where young people can build their dreams at home, where women are empowered to lead, and where we live in a green and clean environment,” she declared.
Mayor Lowe underscored that the project was made possible through trust and shared ambition, singling out the European Union for its unwavering support. “They did not just fund this project; they believed in us, trusted our leadership, and invested in the potential of our people,” she added.
She traced the origins of the initiative to December 2019, when the council aligned its vision with global sustainable development principles, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11. Since then the city has implemented key reforms, including improved waste management systems, governance training for councillors and staff, greening initiatives using local resources, and expanded access to healthcare and hygiene services.
According to her, the Crab Island Centre represents more than infrastructure; it embodies a broader transformation agenda aligned with the government’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (YIRIWA), aimed at strengthening household resilience, improving governance and driving socio-economic progress.
The inauguration drew dignitaries, development partners and community members, all celebrating what is widely seen as a landmark achievement for the capital.
As it opens its doors, the Crab Island Sustainable Development Centre is expected to serve as a dynamic platform for innovation, education and collaboration, empowering communities, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, and positioning Banjul at the forefront of sustainable urban development in the region.
