President Adama Barrow and Mayor Talib Bendouda
By Fatou Sillah
During his Meet the People tour in Ebo Town, addressing residents from Talinding, Jeshwang, Serekunda West, and Bakau constituencies, President Adama Barrow accused the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) under Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of failing to deliver for the people. He urged residents to hold the council accountable for their responsibilities.
“You are paying taxes, and KMC should be responsible for collecting your waste without question. They should employ cleaners. You elected them, so it’s your duty to raise your voices, organize yourselves, and demand answers from the Mayor about the state of cleanliness in your communities. Imagine even having to pay extra fees before your trash is collected—who has ever heard of such a thing?
“During the election, I warned you that electing opposition mayors would lead to suffering. Now, look at the results. What have they done for you? Nothing. They should have been the ones constructing this road, but they are incapable. If an NPP mayor were in office, they would have collaborated with the government, utilized available resources, built roads, cleaned the environment, and served the people. Instead, you have leaders who are more focused on opposing progress—hoping we fail to construct roads or provide electricity. Their agenda is to create chaos in the country,” he said.
President Adama Barrow has expressed frustration over the challenges of working with opposition mayors, emphasizing that governance requires collective effort.
“How can you work with someone who is pulling in the opposite direction? If I am on the right and they are on the left, the work cannot progress like that. Those of you who put the council in place need to ask them what they are doing for you. Sixty percent of your taxes should be returned to you. They should be responsible for collecting your dustbins and cleaning the roads. But if none of this is happening, and you all sit back blaming President Barrow, how can I do it all?”
He continued, “I cannot be the president, National Assembly Member, Alkalo, mayor, chairman, and councillor all at once. We must work together to get things done.”
He expressed deep sadness after witnessing the state of the Serekunda Market, which he described as filthy.
“One thing that broke my heart was when I passed through Serekunda after visiting Bundung yesterday. The roads were extremely dirty—littered with dustbins, papers, and bottles. When I reached the market, it was unbearable; you couldn’t even look at it. If someone offered you food there, you wouldn’t be able to eat it. And yet, they say there is a Council here,” he lamented.
The President expressed concern about the Kanifing Municipal Council’s (KMC) lack of effort in maintaining the cleanliness of roads, particularly the newly constructed Bundung roads.
“What is your council doing? The new Bundung roads have been built with streetlights, yet they are covered in dirt. KMC is not taking action, but you, the residents, should manage your waste and clean the areas around your compound gates. If everyone refuses to do their part, even roads paved with diamonds will end up looking like the waste scattered there,” he remarked.
The President further stated, “Since leaving KMC yesterday, I have been deeply saddened. However, I will convene a general meeting with the Minister of Environment and the environmental agency to enforce laws. Anyone caught littering on the streets will face fines. Selling on the streets and leaving the area dirty afterward will not be tolerated.”