Governor Urges Brikama Area Council To Halt Development In Allocated Area For Displaced Vendors
Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of Brikama Area Council and Ousman Bojang, Governor of West Coast Region
By Buba Gagigo
Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region has formally requested the Brikama Area Council (BAC) to cease ongoing development activities in a designated area intended for displaced vendors in Brikama.
In a letter addressed to the Brikama Area Council, Governor Bojang expressed concerns about the demolition of government property without prior approval from the Ministry of Lands, Regional Governments, and Religious Affairs.
“It has been observed that the Brikama Area Council has demolished government property without prior approval from the Ministry of Lands, Regional Governments and Religious Affairs. I am aware of a request for areas subsumed within the market to be allocated for the Brikama market expansion,” he said in a letter.
He acknowledged the council’s request for the allocation of space within the market for the Brikama market expansion but emphasized that the process was still pending finalization. The governor emphasized the necessity for all activities related to the designated area to receive preapproval from the Ministry before any further actions are taken.
“I urge you to stop any demolitions of any government buildings or developments within government properties without prior approval. This letter serves as a notice to council to stop any ongoing activities in those areas and send a written request and plan on your intent to use the area for approval,” the governor said.
Responding to the governor’s request, the Brikama Area Council (BAC) acknowledged receiving the letter through their Facebook page. The council clarified that they had obtained approval for all properties encompassed by the Brikama Central Market to be transferred to the Council as of August 2020. They refuted the governor’s claim of unauthorized demolition, asserting their commitment to the region’s advancement.
“Eye us as partners in development, not a competitor. The Council is instructed by the Governor to stop work at the sites identified for relocation of vulnerable vendors affected by “Operation Clean the Road,” which was extended into the Brikama Central Market and demolished stalls “Canteens”.
“To get the record straight, the Brikama Area Council obtained an approval of all properties subsumed by the Brikama Central Market to be transferred to Council since August 2020. Therefore, the council never embarked on unauthorized demolition of properties, contrary to the Governor’s assertion in his missive to the Hon. Chairman. We are courageously committed to the advancement of West Coast Region. On this path, we call on the Office of the Governor (WCR) to join us in fulfilling our desirable goals for the region,” the council said with application and approval documents attached.