By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bringing development to Bakau while calling on residents to hold the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) accountable for the taxes they pay and to demand improved public services.
Speaking during a “Meet the People Tour” stop in Bakau, President Barrow described the community as a strong opposition base but stressed that political affiliation does not affect his administration’s development agenda.
“Bakau has long been considered an opposition village. But this is not a problem for my government,” he said. “We do not differentiate between opposition and supporters. You are all equal. Since you elected me, I am the president for every Gambian.”
President Barrow emphasized that development is not the sole responsibility of the central government, echoing remarks by Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie that the community’s elected council must also deliver on its obligations.
“All of you here pay taxes, and you deserve to see the benefits,” the president said. “If you have been in opposition for this long, you should be bold enough to demand from the KMC that the taxes you pay must translate into development for you.”
He continued, “What has the KMC done for you? Go there and demand your rights. This is very important.”
President Barrow highlighted support already extended to the community, noting that 25 women’s groups from Bakau have benefitted from over D3 million through the Women’s Enterprise Fund. He added that seven young people from Bakau have also been selected to receive D100,000 each to launch small businesses.
“If we viewed Bakau as an opposition village, you would not have received these opportunities,” he told residents. “This is how we work, and this is how a responsible government should function.”
The president assured the community that all their concerns and requests have been duly noted, promising transformative development.
“Whatever you have not had in the last 52 years, you will achieve during my tenure,” he pledged.