President Barrow Dismisses Dumbuya’s Rent Subsidy Pledge as Unrealistic and Deceptive

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has criticized Democratic Party presidential aspirant Yusupha A. Dumbuya’s proposal to subsidize rent for Gambians, describing the pledge as unrealistic and an attempt to mislead voters ahead of the December presidential election.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Farato-Bojang Kunda-Bafuloto-Makumbaya-Lamin Babylon road, President Barrow questioned the feasibility of the proposal and challenged Dumbuya to explain how such a program would be financed.

Dumbuya, speaking to journalists after submitting his presidential nomination papers, had identified the rising cost of housing as a major concern and pledged to introduce rent subsidies to make accommodation more affordable if elected.

“I was watching one of the presidential aspirants’ nominations today. He said if he is elected, he will subsidize rent. For example, if the rent is 100, he will pay 50 and you will pay 50. Where will he get this money?” Barrow asked.

The president also questioned Dumbuya’s claimed educational credentials, suggesting that the proposal raised doubts about his understanding of public financing.

Barrow argued that a commitment to building affordable housing would have been more credible than promising to cover a portion of tenants’ rent.

He accused some presidential aspirants of making unrealistic promises to win public support without presenting practical plans for implementing them.

According to Barrow, such pledges are intended to deceive voters and reflect a lack of serious policy proposals among some individuals seeking the presidency.

The president urged Gambians to critically assess candidates and their promises before casting their ballots, noting that the country now has so many political parties that even he is unfamiliar with some of them.

He encouraged voters to examine the track records of presidential hopefuls and question what they have accomplished that demonstrates their ability to deliver meaningful development if elected.