By Kebba Ansu Manneh
Omar B J. Touray, Deputy Mayor Banjul City Council (BCC) has expressed his optimism of a landslide victory for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the upcoming Councilorship election in Banjul.
The Crab Island Ward Councilor described the unprecedented development registered in the Island of Banjul over the past years as attracting a large number of votes for the UDP to maintain both the Mayorship and Councilorship seats of the city council.
He made a statement in an exclusive interview with this medium where he said the current council is second to none in terms of waste management, empowerment of women and youth as well as revenue generation.
“The achievements we registered as a council under the able leadership of Lord Mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, are quite visible and unprecedented that everyone living and frequenting the capital city can attest to. We have successfully implemented the Banjul lightening project, the waste management system implemented is second to none as well as the strengthening of the participation of the youth and women through sports and entrepreneurship has been resounding,” Deputy Mayor, Touray stated.
He added: “I think everybody can agree with me that today Banjul is much cleaner than before and more environmentally friendly under the leadership of the UDP-led administration in Banjul than any other administration during the APRC times. Today you can go to any compound in Banjul and you will find a bin provided by the council plus regular daily collection of waste in Banjul, which has never happened in the history of Banjul.”
According to him, UDP Councilors vying for re-election in Banjul are never threatened with the array of candidates lining up for the election, adding that the people of Banjul have been encouraging and appreciative of the significant milestone achievements registered and are ready to pay back at the polls.
He observed that the previous administrators of Banjul City Council have not been open and transparent in terms of engagements and information sharing on the day-to-day operation of the council, adding that the current administration has changed this status quo and transformed the council into the people’s council where every Dick and Harry can come forth and be attended without any form of affiliation.
According to him, the UDP administration has also propelled the image and name of the city to the international stage with the accession of Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe to the leadership of Refela, adding that this development has been a great achievement that continues to benefit and transform the living standard of youth and women living within the perimeters of the Capital City.
He further disclosed that BCC has recently secured a grant to the tune of one million dollars ($ 1 million) geared towards the improvement of the socio-economic development of the city, arguing that all these milestones have also attracted and encouraged development partners to chip in with support to the council.
Dilating on his chances of winning the forthcoming Crab Island Councilorship, Omar B. J. Touray highlighted that his strong connection with the people of the Ward coupled with his strong desire to move the ward forward will galvanize the needed votes to retain his seat, adding that electorates of the ward are living witnesses to the numerous developments and achievements registered in the ward and base on this will massively for him.
