By Landing Ceesay
The Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Talib Ahmed Bensouda, launched a six-point manifesto on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The manifesto includes plans to build roads, drains, and affordable housing.
Bensouda, who is also the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for the KMC Mayoral seat in the upcoming local government elections, said that if re-elected, his council would build 23 kilometers of roads and 6 kilometers of drains within the municipality. He also said that he would connect every ward with bypass routes and embark on a road safety campaign in schools and media houses.
During his first term in office, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s administration distributed thousands of trash bins across the Kanifing Municipality (KM). The administration also provided garbage collection trucks and skip bins for the people of KM.
Despite these achievements, Mayor Bensouda said that if re-elected, his council would recycle more than 80% of the waste collected. He also said that his council would support entrepreneurs in building waste management/processing businesses.
He said his council would also build a new weighbridge to better manage the dump site.
“We will engage with the central government to construct an engineered landfill outside the Municipality. Protect against flooding by Planting 150,000 additional trees including on streets for shade & beautification and mangroves. Additional 2 km of highway beautification every year,” Mayor Bensouda stated.
On the issue of affordable housing, Mayor Bensouda said his council’s next priority would be to invest in affordable homes over the next 10 years within KM.
The Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has also announced plans to build seven new markets, renovate five existing markets, and relocate the Sandika Market, creating a hygienic, accessible, and comfortable new vendor space in Kanifing Municipality.
On the issue of transportation, Mayor Bensouda revealed that his council would pilot the first-ever municipal transport company to provide mass transit for residents at affordable rates, lamenting that the government rates are not affordable since they charged the same price as private taxi drivers.
On the issue of Youths & Social Services, Mayor Bensouda revealed that his council would connect youths with education and employment opportunities by giving them priorities in all the upcoming development projects.
“My Council would open the first municipal library with an internet learning suite. Build learning partnerships and scholarships with international Universities and schools.
“My Council would set up an Office of Public Information, Free legal guidance, Assistance to government services, Advice on Administrative rights and procedures, and Education,” Mayor Bensouda revealed.
The launch of Mayor Bensouda’s Manifesto was grace by the Leader and Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, and supporters of the Party.