Lamin Jobaata, ornithologists
By Fatou Sillah
Lamin Jobaata, an ornithologist and Executive Director of the West African Bird Study Association, appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Thursday to answer questions regarding his involvement in an EU-funded environmental project implemented in collaboration with the Banjul City Council (BCC).
During his testimony, Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez asked Mr. Jobaata whether he had any formal engagement or contractual agreement with BCC. In response, the witness confirmed that he was involved in a project initiated in 2019, which focused on the restoration of the Tanbi Wetland mangroves, the rejuvenation of Crab Island, the promotion of good governance, the establishment of school nurseries, and the overall greening of Banjul.“I have a contract with BCC. We develop the project in 2019, and I happen to participate in the wetland restoration and maintenance component because the project has different components. The project is about the restoration of Tanbi wetland mangroves, crab island rejuvenation and good governance, school nursery in Banjul and also the greening of Banjul,” he told the commission.
Lead Counsel Gomez then confronted Mr. Jobaata with a figure, stating: “You were paid D3,118,182—correct?”
The witness stated that, based on his calculations, the total amount was 2 million and 14 thousand. He explained that the project began in 2020, but throughout that year, their activities with BCC were carried out on a task-by-task basis. From 2021 to 2022, every six months, they provided a specific amount to be used for implementation.
“The first disbursement from BCC if I can remember was 670,000 Dalasi, the second was 449,000, the third was 895,000, and when added together, these total 2,014,000 Dalasi.” he said.
When asked whether he had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or contract with BCC, Mr. Jobaata said he did not. However, he noted that his staff received appointment letters from the BCC project team, though he could not confirm whether he personally received one.
He informed the commission that he had submitted photocopies of all project-related documents during the investigation phase and stated that he holds the original copies in his office. The Commission instructed him to submit the originals for verification.
Mr. Jobaata further revealed that he and 12 of his staff received monthly salaries under the project from 2020 to 2022. When questioned about the utilization of the D2 million-plus disbursed to him, he said the funds were used for mangrove planting, community sensitization, bird species monitoring, establishing tree and school nurseries, and general awareness campaigns.
The Commission has requested Mr. Jobaata to submit original copies of the project’s activity reports, financial statements, and work plans for review.