By Binta Jaiteh
The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany through the leadership of Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Thursday launched a 2-year project worth 580,000 Euros for KM.
Minister Muller with his delegation visited the BMZ Bakoteh Dumpsite Project and officially launched the project that consist of different components (the construction of 2 access roads, 3 fire hydrants, an open shed, two toilet blocks and the installation of 30 solar lights) of the BMZ Bakoteh Dumpsite Project.
After the launching of the project BMZ Minister handed over two quad bikes, 30 fire extinguishers, and tree planting materials for the green zone of the project to the KMC.
The BMZ Minister also took part in planting two seedlings to mark the commencement for the planting of 500 seedlings for the project’s green zone.
The SOS Children’s Villages, The Gambia and Herman Gmeiner Funds Deutschland (HGFD) in partnership with the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) secured funding from the BMZ German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
Speaking at the launching, Ahmed Talib Bensouda Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), said Dr. Gerd Muller visit to The Gambia demonstrated the strong partnership that has been established between Germany and The Gambia at the Bakoteh dumpsite.
The KMC Lord Mayor said his council have made a significant investment in the management of the Bakoteh dumpsite. Added that, his council has constructed a fence at the dumpsite, which is over 3.5 meters tall fence measuring 1.7 km, all that money is from the council.
“Today we celebrate the comprehensive efforts facilitate by the Federal Republic of Germany through the leadership of Honorable Minister Dr. Gerd Muller,” Talib Bensouda said.
He noted that the trilateral partnership between BMZ, SOS Children Villages and KMC is rapidly enhancing the management of the dumpsite.
According to the Mayor through partnering with BMZ, SOS Children Villages, they are supporting over 1000 children from 200 families in the communities of Bakoteh, Dippa Kunda and Manjai Kunda.
Mr. Bensouda said his council is committed to fully utilizing and maintaining the resources in sustainable waste management.
Mayor Bensouda expressed his profound gratitude to the Germany government through the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development for supporting KMC.
Dr. Gerd Muller said now is the time for change and people need to help and protect the future of the children. “As Germany Economic Minister, I am glad to be with you here,” Dr. Gerd Muller said.
Germany he said is supporting KMC to improve the living conditions for the children and adults living around the Bakoteh dumpsite which is the largest in the country and is affecting many communities.
According to him, Germany has made available 580,000 Euros to support the project which is expected to last for two years.
“My message for Gambia is, the future of children, education must be a first priority in the country,” Dr. Gerd Muller said.
For Mr. Benoit Poit, International Director Regional (IDR) described the project as significant to the entire community and also said pollution is a factor that affects both children and adults.
“Today is a remarkable day for us to stand and protect the future of the children,” Mr. Benoit Poit said.
The project will help to mitigate the challenges both children and adults are facing within the Bakoteh dumpsite, concluded.