The library funded by the European Union in The Gambia through Peterborough City Council, UK, in partnership with KMC, will now serve as an educational and research hub for students of all levels.
The project, worth D45 million was contracted to BAJAM Enterprise Limited and was implemented under the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Project (KETP).
Moreover, the project, according to many, marks another transformative change in the community in a bid to enhance the quality of education and life in general for all residents of the municipality.
In his inaugural address, Talib Ahmed Bensouda the mayor of KMC described the day as a monumental achievement for the Kanifing Municipality and The Gambia.
“The inauguration of first Municipal Library and Innovation Centre, a landmark accomplishment under the EU-funded Kanifing Environmental Transformation Programme (KETP), is not just the realization of a dream but the beginning of a journey toward inclusive education, innovation, and community empowerment. The project marks a transformative change in our community, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
Mayor Bensouda recalled that the inspiration for this library was deeply personal, citing that growing up in Kanifing, he often found himself searching for a quiet place to study after school hours.
“I vividly remember using one of the University of The Gambia (UTG) schools in Pipeline to improve my accounting skills. That space transformed me from a D-grade student to an A+ student in accounting, proving how access to a conducive learning environment can shape one’s future.”
He observed that Kanifing being the most densely populated municipality in The Gambia, with many households having no or limited space for students to study comfortably.
He maintained that schools, particularly public ones, often lack library facilities, and the instability of electricity means many children study under candles, or even public lights.
Those challenges, he went on, inspired the vision of not just a library but a chain of libraries across the municipality.
He, on behalf of the Council and the entire Kanifing Municipality, thanked the EU through its Ambassador, Her Excellency Imma Roca I. Cortes, head of the EU delegation, Madame Enrica Pellacini, Programme Manager Laura Carpino, and former EU leaders His Excellency Corrado Pampaloni, Stéphane Meert, and Luca Palazzotto, who previously supported the KETP project.
“Our deep appreciation also goes to our project partners at Peterborough City Council and the Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT). Special thanks to Trevor Gibson, Carole Coe for their collaboration and support. Your contributions have been invaluable.”
To the contractors, Mayor Bensouda thanked Bajam Company Ltd led by Aunty Marie Senghore and consultant Omar Camara for delivering a robust, admirable structure.
Welcoming the gathering, Pa Sait Ceesay, Chief Executive Officer, expressed his pride to witness a significant milestone in the development of Kanifing Municipality.
The project, he said, represents a powerful collaboration between KMC and the EU, saying the project was borne out of the need to fill the growing information, educational and creational gaps of the residents of the municipality.
The library, he added, will now offer a wide range of resources including both reference materials and computer access, all geared towards improving learning references and personal development for the residents of all ages.
“The Kanifing Municipality Library will serve as a vital community hub, where people of all walks of life will come together and share ideas and exchange in a wide array of educational and cultural activities.
Alieu Nyang, project director, Kanifing Environmental Transformation Project (KETP), referenced on the project that they were tasked to implement, recalling that three years ago, they got approval from EU for funding amounting to over three million euros and one hundred and fifty-seven thousand euros co-financing from KMC.
“We were tasked to do different components and today one of those components that we are finalising is the Kanifing Municipal Library.”
To that end, he used the opportunity to thank the staff of the project and all those who contributed towards the success of the project.
Nyang went on to talk about the different components under the project such as the ‘mballit’ and Park projects to other tree planting initiatives.
For her part, Imma Roca Cortes, European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, expressed delight to be associated with the event, affirming that EU-Gambia cooperation dates back to years and that they would continue strengthening that cooperation for the development of the country.
She spoke about EU’s numerous interventions in supporting the livelihoods of the people of the Gambia, citing their projects in strengthening democratic values, economic interventions, water, waste management and education, among a host of others.
Those interventions, she added, have had positive impacts on people’s lives especially working with local authorities, which she said, are the backbone of any democratic system.
She underscored the role played by municipalities in any development interventions, describing the new library as a pivotal hub for all residents.
The ceremony was graced by UDP leader lawyer Ousainu Darboe and other party bigwigs, senior government officials, party militants and a cross-section of the community of Kanifing and beyond.
