By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Abdoulie Jammeh, Councillor of Brufut Ward in the West Coast Region, has called on President Adama Barrow to honor his campaign promise to return ownership of the Strasser Multipurpose Center to the people of Brufut.
“I am writing to remind you of a promise you made to the people of Brufut during your presidential campaign in Jamburr. You pledged to return ownership of the Strasser Multipurpose Center to us, yet we have seen no action. During his campaign, your candidate for BAC, Seedy Ceesay, also stated that the transfer was complete. It has now been four years, and we are still waiting,” Jammeh said.
Jammeh alleged that Barrow’s administration has repeatedly attempted to seize the land using various ministries, including Tourism and Lands, while engaging in numerous meetings with the community.
“Yet we remain resolute in retaining our rightful possession. Additionally, Minister Hon. Bakary Badjie mentioned on the campaign trail that the transfer of the Brufut Strasser Multipurpose Center was completed, but we have yet to see any concrete steps from his ministry. If you are genuinely committed to building multipurpose parks around the country, we are not asking for new land, but for the documentation to finalize this existing land under Brufut’s ownership,” he said.
He emphasized the need for the multipurpose center, highlighting the community’s efforts, alongside the BDA and BMC, to fence the land and safeguard it for Brufut’s development. However, tensions have arisen as Brufut youth allege that the BMC committee has compromised part of the land to the Ministry of Arts and Culture for a museum.
“The people of Brufut have worked tirelessly to fence it, thanks to the efforts of the BDA, BMC, and the local community. However, there is ongoing confusion and concern, as the youth of Brufut accuse the BMC committee of compromising part of this land to the Ministry of Arts and Culture for the construction of a museum. There are other reserved lands in Brusubi Phase One where such a museum could be constructed.
“Mr. President, the Brufut community has long suffered from the previous regime, and now, under your leadership, the tension between the Youths and the BMC Executive Committee persists. All road junctions and compounds are filled with water from Sanchaba, Sataybakono, and Santosu, yet the road connections to the highway are incomplete and inadequate,” he said.
Hon. Jammeh further criticized President Barrow’s government, accusing it of injustice against the residents of Brufut and beyond.
“Your government’s injustice grows day by day. Take, for instance, the case of the Brikama Area Council. Barely a year into office, when the people of the West Coast Region saw hope in Chairman Yankuba Darboe’s fight against corruption, you directed former IGP Abdoulie Sanyang to arrest all Councillors, including myself. I was detained at the Anti-Crime Unit for three nights, and I had to report between Banjulinding and Police Headquarters for months. My younger brother also faced one night of detention, and my car was damaged by the police, with the gearbox broken – a problem that remains unresolved to this day,” he said.
Jammeh expressed disappointment in the administration, particularly in relation to the alleged exploitation by officials like Alagie Jeng and Modou Jonga.
“To my astonishment, your Local Service Commission, which previously protected them, is now acting on an audit report to place the former Director of Finance (DF) of BCC, now at BAC, on administrative leave, leaving Banjul City Council under Modou Jonga’s control. He, among others, has embezzled millions, if not billions,” he said.
Jammeh concluded with a plea for justice and integrity, urging the President to prioritize the fight against corruption and to fulfill his promises. “Where is the justice, Mr. President, when ministers such as Hon. Bakary Badjie, Minister Samateh, the Ports Authority, IEC, NAWEC, and nearly all key institutions, including your own office and that of the First Lady, remain unchecked? The Gambia deserves leadership that delivers on its promises and prioritizes justice over corruption. It is time to fulfill your commitments to the people of Brufut and to all Gambians who are affected by injustice and unaddressed corruption.”