Barrow Plans Major Market and Garage at Bakoteh Dumpsite

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has announced plans to transform the Bakoteh dumpsite into a major commercial hub, featuring what he described as the largest market and garage in The Gambia and Africa.

The proposed development, he said, would accommodate the relocation of the Serrekunda Market and Sandika, as part of a broader initiative to modernize waste management and commercial infrastructure in the country.

President Barrow made the announcement at State House during a ceremony attended by hundreds of supporters who declared their endorsement of his re-election bid and the National People’s Party (NPP) Grand Alliance.

According to the president, the project follows the signing of a contract with an international waste management company operating in 29 countries. Under the agreement, the company will decommission the Bakoteh dumpsite, paving the way for the proposed development.

Mr. Barrow said he intends to commission an architect to design the market and garage once the waste management company begins operations at the site.

He described the proposed facilities as unprecedented in scale, expressing confidence that the project would significantly improve commercial activities and transportation infrastructure.

“The CEO of the waste management company has assured me that the country’s waste problem will be resolved,” President Barrow said.

He further disclosed that the company is expected to create 1,000 jobs for Gambians, with its local operations overseen by a Gambian general manager.

The president presented the initiative as part of his administration’s efforts to address the country’s longstanding waste management challenges while creating employment opportunities and expanding economic infrastructure.

However, he did not provide a timeline for the decommissioning of the dumpsite, the commencement of construction, or the completion of the proposed market and garage.