By: Nyima Sillah
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Gambia office, at the New Day Hall in Fajara Tuesday, 8th February 2022, held the opening ceremony of a Public Exhibition of a Draft Development Plan for the Greater Banjul Area 2020-2040.
In her opening remarks, UNOPS’ Country Manager, Ms. Agathe Nougaret, said over the past two years, the planning team has collected data, reviewed reports, and consulted hundreds of citizens and technical experts to produce this draft development plan.
According to her, this is the first time in 30 years that the Greater Banjul Area is going through such a planning process. As the city is growing “we want to ensure it becomes a place where all citizens can thrive with good jobs, health care, education and nutrition.”
“We want the culture of Banjul to shine through its heritage. We want our ocean and mangroves to be sustainable so our children can enjoy city life,” she added.
Also, she went on, this milestone for transparency and citizen engagement is a source of pride for the United Nations as Gambians are deciding their future together in an inclusive and participatory manner.
However, she said over the next month, everyone can come and provide feedback on the plan which will be finalised in March under the leadership of the National Planning Board.
Sherrifo Sonko, chairman of Brikama Area Council (BAC), said the development plan will short and long terms address the significant challenges mounting around the largest and most dynamic areas in the country.
According to the chairman, the intent of the plan is to provide guidance when making decisions or carrying out actions that pertain to the interrelated themes of future population growth, land development, environmental conversation, Economic growth and social wellbeing.
He added that urbanisation has created opportunities but also a challenge whether in terms of resources consumption or environmental impacts, he therefore called for the commitment of stakeholders both national and international to realise sustainable development.
Chairman Sheriffo confirmed the commitment of his council towards this urban development plan while outlined his office willingness to enhance inter-municipal coordination, resources and capacity to plan, implement, manage and monitor sustainable urban development amongst others as enshrined towards the goals of a comprehensive and a digitalized urban plan for the Greater Banjul Area.