The funeral van lobbied by the deputy mayor of BCC, was made possible through the generous intervention of his grandson, Alieu Jagne widely known as Alieu Kah, who currently resides abroad.
The fully-equipped van was officially handed over during a ceremony on Thursday, with Deputy Mayor Abdou Aziz Dabakh Gaye, expressing profound gratitude to the donor in view of the significance of the gesture to the residents of Banjul, particularly the most vulnerable.
Deputy Mayor Gaye described the moment as spiritually meaningful and a demonstration of practical compassion.
He acknowledged the deep sense of responsibility the Council carries in supporting grieving families, further highlighting the challenges previously faced due to a lack of adequate funeral transport.
“This donation is more than a gesture. It is a powerful act of service. The van will help us uphold the dignity of the deceased and ease the burden of their families. It reflects true generosity and spiritual awareness.” Gaye stated.
He praised Alieu Jagne, originally from Otto Road in Banjul, for remaining connected to his roots and translating words into action.
The Deputy Mayor recounted earlier conversations with Alieu about BCC’s limitations, which he said, led to the swift intervention.
“Alieu didn’t just express concern, he delivered a fully functional, custom-built funeral van in memory of his grandfather, the late Alhaji Bunama Jange. This is a true ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’; an ongoing charity that will continue to benefit people for years to come.”
Gaye quoted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in one of his Hadiths, which states that a ‘person’s good deeds continue after death through ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.’
The gesture, he said, is mercy in motion and that it will carry ‘our loved ones to their final resting place with dignity.’
Thus, he assured that as a Council they are committed to using it solely for its sacred purpose and maintaining it with the utmost care.
He thus encouraged other Gambians in the Diaspora to emulate Alieu by investing in meaningful causes back home.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Fallou Gallas, while underscoring the importance of giving back to one’s community, described the donation as a milestone in humanitarian service.
“This is a gift that will serve generations to come. The people of Banjul deserve this, and we hope this inspires more acts of kindness. May Allah bless Alieu Jagne for this selfless contribution.”
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