At the opening, Ms. Agathe Nougaret, UNOPS’ country manager, revealed that over the past two years, the planning team has collected data, reviewed reports, consulted hundreds of citizens and technical experts to produce the draft development plan.
“This is the first time in 30 years that the Greater Banjul Area is going through such a planning process. As our city is growing, we want to ensure it becomes a place where all citizens can thrive; good jobs, health care, education and nutrition.”
She indicated that they want the culture of Banjul to shine through its heritage, noting that they want ‘our ocean and mangroves to be sustainable so our children can enjoy city life.’
She said this milestone for transparency and citizen engagement is a source of pride for the United Nations as Gambians are deciding their future together in an inclusive and participatory manner.
In addition, she noted that over the next month, everyone can come and provide feedback on the plan which would be finalised in March under the leadership of the National Planning Board.
Also speaking, Sherrifo Sonko, chairman of Brikama Area Council (BAC), said the development plan would in the short and long term address the significant challenges mounting around the largest and most dynamic areas in the country.
The plan, he added, is to provide guidance when making decision or carrying out actions that pertain to the interrelated themes of future population growth, land development, environmental conversation, economic growth and social wellbeing.
Chairman Sonko maintained that urbanisation has created opportunities but also challenges in terms of resources consumption or environmental impacts. He therefore urged commitment from stakeholders both national and international to realise the sustainable development goals as set out in the development blueprint.
Sonko therefore commended UNOPS Gambia office, the Government through the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs as well as the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and all other urban councils for their contribution to the attainment of the goals of Greater Banjul.
“In conclusion, I want to stress the commitment of my council towards this urban development plan while outlining our willingness to enhance inter-municipal coordination, resources and capacity to plan, implement, manage and monitor sustainable urban development amongst others as enshrined towards the goals of a comprehensive and a digitalized urban plan for the Greater Banjul Area.”
