The forum was aimed at discussing with policy makers within the municipality the challenges inhabitants of the area face, especially young people with a view to come up with ideas in addressing those challenges. Among the challenges raised by young people during the convergence was the high cost of rents, transport and lack of market space among others.
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of KMC dwelled on the importance of such a gathering, adding that it would give them the opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with policy makers and young people of the area.
Commenting on the issue of high cost of rent, the KMC Mayor said: “Rent issue was not part of the council’s jurisdiction when he came into office. However, about 10 years ago, the council used to have the rent tribunal. Unfortunately, in 2016 to 2017, it was removed from the council and taken to the Kanifing Magistrates Court,” he disclosed.
Mayor Bensouda acknowledged that the issue of high cost of rent needs to be addressed within the municipality, saying “many young people in the area are complaining about the high cost of rent as landlords frequently increase the prices of shops or compounds.”
“If we are going to have young people who want to live in KM, then we need to find affordable houses for them where they can start their families or even to do business. Therefore, the KMC is set to incorporate a municipal housing company with the objectives of building affordable houses for the youth.”
The KMC Mayor disclosed that the council would be constructing seven new markets in KM. “The council intends to construct a market at Abuko were the ‘Sandinka’ will be transferred,” he stated, adding that the other places that they would construct the new markets include Faji-Kunda, Tallinding at the MasehTayal, Serrekunda at the ‘Maripadembo’, Bakoteh Tipper Garage market, Bakau and Fajara Fruit markets.
In the next four years, Bensouda added, the Kanifing Municipal Council plans to construct 38 kilometres of roads within the municipality through its ‘Kanifing Municipal Road Network Project.’
Kemo Bojang, Nominated Youth Councillor of the KMC, said: “Considering the fact that The Gambia government can’t create employment to every young person in the country, thus the council is looking at ways of building the capacity of our young people especially in the areas of skills which will in turn transform their lives and livelihood.”
