Bensouda Urges Incoming KMC Leadership to Complete Unfinished Development Projects

By Fatou Sillah

Former Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has urged the council’s incoming leadership to prioritize the completion of several development projects initiated during his administration, saying many are nearing completion.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday following his resignation to contest the presidential election, Bensouda called on the council, its management and future leadership to ensure continuity in the implementation of ongoing projects.

Among the initiatives he highlighted was a D40 million market development project expected to provide more than 96 shops and improve trading conditions and business opportunities in Serrekunda.

He also cited the redevelopment of the Bakau Community Centre, construction of a 1,000-seat assembly hall at Charles Jow Academy, a composting facility at Bakau Women’s Garden and a tyre recycling plant supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to Bensouda, the Bakau Community Centre is nearing completion, with only electrical installations outstanding, while the assembly hall requires the completion of sealing works. He said the composting and tyre recycling facilities are also at advanced stages.

Bensouda further urged the council to pursue the Kanifing Municipal Road Network project, revealing that KMC had already paid D34 million to Longyan Road and Bridge Company.

He said the project had encountered restrictions from the National Roads Authority and the Ministry of Works, which had affected its implementation.

“I urge the council to continue pursuing this project with the ministry,” he said.

The former mayor also highlighted the Migrant Resilience Hub Programme, which he said had secured D35 million through the Mayor’s Migration Council and the Global Cities Fund.

Under the initiative, 20 young Gambian returnees have been selected to receive psychosocial support, business incubation services and €3,000 each to establish small businesses. He said another group of 20 young people is expected to benefit from the programme.

Reflecting on his tenure, Bensouda said his administration had sought to strengthen local governance by improving institutional systems, enhancing revenue collection, investing in infrastructure and establishing partnerships with development organizations and the private sector.

“Public institutions must outlive individuals, and their success must never depend on who occupies a particular office,” he said.

He emphasized that the sustainability of KMC’s development agenda would depend on the commitment of successive administrations to building on existing initiatives and ensuring that projects deliver lasting benefits to residents.