By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Kanifing Estate community on Saturday celebrated the official handover of its first-ever recreation center, constructed by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) under the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Program (KETP), a project funded by the European Union.
The state-of-the-art park features a six-a-side football pitch, a children’s playground, and other essential facilities designed to enhance community engagement and recreation. The handing-over ceremony was attended by KMC officials, community members, and youth representatives, highlighting the significance of this milestone.
In 2022, KMC launched the €3 million KETP grant aimed at fostering environmental, social, and economic transformation within the municipality. The project prioritizes sustainable approaches to waste management and includes the development of six recreational centers across Kanifing, catering to both children and the elderly.
The event also included two exciting football matches between local academies, providing young talents with an opportunity to showcase their skills.
Speaking at the ceremony, KETP Project Director Alieu Nyang highlighted the park’s importance to the community. He explained that the initiative, funded by the European Union and managed by KMC, reflects the council’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces for residents.“The park will feature a football field, a children’s playground, relaxing areas, renovated toilets and access to water these additions are all aimed at fostering social cohesion among the community members,” he said.
Mr Nyang also emphasized the importance of sustainability, saying that “while KMC has built this park, its long term care and maintenance will be the responsibility of the community. It truly belongs to the community, and we hope everyone takes pride I’m preserving it.”
He expressed gratitude to community members for their support throughout the project’s development and urged them to prioritize sustainability.
On behalf of the residents, Pa Matarr Jobe thanked KMC for bringing such an initiative to their community.
“With over 19 in the Kanifing municipality we are honored that this initiative was brought to our community, we are delighted and deeply commend the council for their efforts and dedication. We have listened carefully to the project director’s explanation regarding the sustainability of the park be rest assured that we are going to take good care of it,” he expressed.
He pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining the park, emphasizing its long-term benefits.
“This park is not for short-term use. It is a legacy for future generations, and we are committed to ensuring its upkeep and utilizing it as a foundation for continued development.”
KMC Chief Executive Officer Pa Sait Ceesay echoed the call for sustainability, noting that while The Gambia has excelled in launching projects, maintaining them has often been a challenge.
“Past initiative from Jawara’s time coming down to Jammeh’s regime all the projects we have has all collapsed due to neglect given that these endeavors are funded by taxpayers, it is our collective responsibility to persevere and maintain them. For this part, we appeal to the committee tasked with its care to ensure it remains functional and improves years after year,” he said.
He emphasized the need to protect infrastructure such as fences and lighting, stressing the importance of a proactive approach to safeguarding the park.
The Kanifing Estate Community Park stands as a testament to KMC’s dedication to fostering inclusive development, bringing hope and pride to residents while setting a standard for future community-driven projects.