The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, marked the completion of a facility fully funded by the Kanifing Municipal Council as part of its continued efforts to upgrade public infrastructure and create better working environments for traders within the municipality.
The newly built facility occupies 335 square metres and provides 24 fish-selling tables with the capacity to accommodate 124 users. It is also equipped with four septic tanks and eight water taps, facilities expected to improve hygiene standards, sanitation and access to clean water for fish sellers and customers.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mayor Bensouda described the project as a product of commitment, teamwork and effective administration, noting that the initiative was conceived during his 2023 re-election campaign.
According to the mayor, he made a commitment to the market women that a modern fish-selling facility would be constructed if he was given another mandate to lead the municipality.
“At that very spot, I promised the market women that, if I am re-elected, we will build a state-of-the-art market shed for the fish sellers, and today we celebrate that achievement,” Mayor Bensouda said.
He explained that during his engagement with traders at the market, fish sellers raised several concerns, including poor sanitation, waste management challenges, inadequate hygiene facilities and the need for improved infrastructure.
“During that campaign, I walked through the market and met these wonderful women, Madam Awa Ngum and Jongfolo Barrow. The women complained about the situation they faced, including sanitation, waste management, general hygiene, infrastructure and the empowerment of women,” he said.
Mayor Bensouda said the new facility represents more than just a physical structure, describing it as an investment in empowerment and economic dignity.
“Today we celebrate what women empowerment looks like by creating a dignified space for our mothers and sisters to sell. These are basic human rights,”he added.
He further emphasised that improving market facilities is essential to supporting local businesses, especially women who depend on petty trading and fish-selling activities to support their families.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kanifing Municipal Council, Pa Sait Ceesay, said the project represents another milestone in the council’s commitment to providing practical and sustainable solutions to community needs.
He said the completion of the facility demonstrates the council’s determination to continue investing in projects that directly improve the lives and welfare of residents despite competing demands on available resources.
“The completion of this facility demonstrates that, despite competing demands on our limited resources, the Council remains steadfast in investing in projects that directly improve the lives and welfare of the people of Kanifing Municipality,” he said.
Mr. Ceesay highlighted the important role played by fish sellers at Serrekunda Market, noting that they contribute significantly to the local economy by ensuring a steady supply of fish and supporting the livelihoods of many families.
He, however, acknowledged that for many years, fish sellers operated under challenging conditions that required urgent improvement.
“For many years, they have operated under conditions that required improvement. Recognising this need, the Council took a deliberate decision to invest in the construction of this modern fish sellers’ shed to provide a cleaner, safer and more organised trading environment,” he said.
The KMC CEO added that the new facility will contribute to improved public health standards, better working conditions for traders and enhanced service delivery within the market.
The inauguration was attended by council officials, market representatives, community leaders and beneficiaries, who welcomed
the development as a significant improvement to one of the municipality’s busiest commercial centres.
The new fish sellers’shed is expected to ease some of the challenges previously faced by vendors while promoting safer and more hygienic food trading practices at Serrekunda Market.
