Alfusainey Ganno, the former Project Manager of the Banjul City Council (BCC) Ostend Project,
By Fatou Sillah
Alfusainey Ganno, the former Project Manager of the Banjul City Council (BCC) Ostend Project, appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry to provide testimony regarding the formation and execution of the project.
During his testimony, Ganno explained that he had learned about the job opportunity through a local newspaper advertisement and applied for the position.
“I was shortlisted and called for an interview by a panel of seven or nine. Before this, I knew nobody at BCC,” he said.
When asked whether the project had been completed, Ganno responded that he could not confirm its status as his contract was not renewed.
“I will not know if the project was completed or not because it was extended after my contract.” he said.
Ganno told the Commission that the project, valued at 3.1 million, was designed to promote sustainability through five key components: good governance, establishing a sustainable development center at Crab Island, effective waste management, urban greening in Banjul, and health.
“At the start of the project, it was realized that there was a gap within the BCC and Banjul, so good governance was meant to fill that gap, like training of Councillors and city actors. These components, under the good governance, some were achieved, and most of the activities were implemented,” he explained.
On the Crab Island aspect of the project, Ganno said it was intended to transform the site into a sustainable hub with facilities including a multipurpose hall and a radio station.
“During my time, harnessing bees to make honey was done; renovation was in progress during my time. The plan for Crab Island was not implemented the way we wanted because there were a lot of delays. First, we got our appointment in March, and in the second week the world went on a lockdown because of COVID-19. This was a new project, and the team does not know each other, so we were working remotely; all the structures were not in place.”
When asked by the lead counsel if anything substantial was achieved at Crab Island during the three years, Ganno replied that only the women’s garden showed notable success.
Regarding the greening component, Ganno highlighted the planting of coconut trees along Banjul beach and additional tree planting within the inner city.
“For the greening Banjul component, it is under the greening that we have coconut trees at the Banjul beach, the mangroves, we have the inner city where we plant trees in the city,” he said.
On the waste management front, Ganno noted efforts to improve the city’s dumpsite, enhance cleanliness in Banjul, and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for sanitation workers.
“Waste management, where we looked at the dumpsite and cleaning of Banjul, also gave the workers the PPE they require to do the job,” He Said.
The lead counsel also questioned Ganno about financial procedures and payments made during the project, noting that payments were occasionally requested in his name.
“We see that during the execution of your functions, once in a while you will request payment, and payment will be done in your name, and you have explained here that procurement in respect to the project was done strictly with procurement rules and regulations,”Lead counsel said.
Ganno confirmed that at the beginning of the project, before receiving any funds directly from BCC, they followed guidelines provided under the EU’s extended funding procedures.
Payment vouchers presented during the session were identified and confirmed by Ganno as payments made to him. The documents were admitted into evidence and marked as exhibits.