By: Haruna Kuyateh
Kerewan Area Council (KAC) has Thursday handed over the first ever market constructed in the sum of D975, 000 under the Medina Ward Development Plan and a development priority of the community of Samba Kala.
Samba MK Leigh, Chief Executive Officer of Kerewan Area Council the KAC has constructed five markets from 2021 to 2022 for the communities of Chilla, Samba Kala, Ngain Sanjal, Daru Rilwan, and Munyagen.
He further disclosed that KAC has provided solar lighting facilities for eight communities including Jinack Essau ward, Mamuda Pakau ward, Kerr Ngarta Medina ward, Kaba Koto, of Prince ward Yalal Ba of Saaba ward and Samba Musu cluster of Kerewan ward.
The CEO also disclosed that the council has bought land for the construction of parking areas for trucks in Essau and Maka Farafenni and it is worth D400,000. He added that as part of the electricity expansion initiative, the council has provided electricity expansion for the community of Kerewan worth D250, 000 and Ndungu Kebbeh community electricity meter worth D47,000.
The Governor of the North Bank Region Lamin Saidykhan, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the council in the drive to strengthen service delivery.
He commended Kerewan Area Council for responding to the development needs of taxpayers, while he reiterated the need for the community to support the development objectives of government and development partners.
He said the market is provided to people irrespective of their political differences and it will enhance social cohesion and call on Kerewan Area Council to provide waste collection bins to improve sanitation and health.
Malamin IL Bojang, Chairman of the Kerewan Area Council commended the community of Samba Kala for their support of the construction of the market and council’s fullest support for the implementation of community projects as outlined in the local government Act.
The Chairman expressed that the council will support and assist the advancement of taxpayers.
Abdoulie Khan, Director of Finance KAC called on the beneficiaries to take ownership and ensure proper upkeep and establishment of market management committees.
Hon. Amadou Bah, Medina Ward Councilor described the market as a worthy investment and thanked the council for the support to the ward.
Ebrima Jobe on behalf of Alkalo expressed delight in the new market and noted that all efforts will be implored to monitor and assist the market committee.
Adama Sillah, Village Development Committee Chairman said the market will enhance healthy income and unity among stakeholders.
He said the market will benefit 40 vendors and will address easy access to condiments. He uses the moment to call for more support in building the capacity of market vendors on entrepreneurship, constructing canteens and fencing of the market whilst VDC will extend water supply to the market.
Rohey Ndow Women’s leader said the market will bring about enterprise development and contribute to women’s empowerment drive. She assured of their commitment to the utilisation of the market and launched an appeal for the construction of canteens to provide additional space for the business community.
Eliman Njie, Youths Leader thanked the ward councilor and call for future expansion.
