D3 million is funded by the European Union under the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Program (KETP) while an additional D3 million is supported by Africell Company for the construction of Basketball lawn with a fully equipped outdoor gym center. Therefore, the overall KETP projects implementation is D180 million.
The recreational center when completed is set to accommodate one children’s playground, six-side football field, and toilet blocks, with a perimeter chain-link fence. Furthermore, Africell Gambia Ltd also showed its commitment to construct a full basketball court with a fully equipped outdoor gym.
Mayor Bensouda said the event was the second park amongst the seven KETP parks they intend to lay.
He noted that the KETP project involves educational, environmental and waste management components, saying: “KMC is ready for business.”
Lamin Sanyang, KETP project manager said the construction of the seven parks would create safe and accessible spaces for children to play including access for persons with disabilities along with greening the city. He added that it would also increase the quality of life for citizens, foster urban green growth while contributing to global climate mitigation efforts.
According to Mr Sanyang, the KETP project contract is awarded to Scope Enterprise with the objectives to develop two children’s playground for two months duration.
With regard to the parks sustainability, he revealed that the community will identify youths as parks ambassadors who would be trained on park maintenance and landscaping techniques for the maintenance and sustainability of the parks.
He assured that the project team will closely work with Council and the Bakau Village Development Committee (VDC) to ensure effective management of the facility.
He thanked the European Union through the EU Ambassador to The Gambia for being supportive since the commencement of the contract and Africell Company for their cordial relationship and support.
Musa Sise of Africell said youth of KMC formed the basis of Africell subscribers.
He noted that supporting such a project for the betterment, improvement and encouragement of a healthy wellbeing, particularly in sports could not be over emphasised.
