By Binta Jaiteh
The Rent Amendment Bill 2023 has been rated a bill meant to give rights and fair treatment to tenants and not to punish any landlords.
Hon Allagie Mbow, National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum made this statement when the Bill was tabled at the NA, on Tuesday, 12th December 2023 by Hon Madi Ceesay, National Assembly Member for Serekunda West. The Bill seeks to address the challenge
The Bill was tabled on Tuesday last week by the Honorable member for Serekunda West, Madi Ceesay, as the bill seeks to address the challenges faced by tenants.
Speaking during the second reading of the Bill which was meant to address the challenges faced by tenants, the members debated on the merits and principles of the bill, Hon Mbowe said the bill is very important taking into consideration the challenges of tenants in this country.
“As a country, we are suffering from many issues relating to rent more specifically, the tenants,” he said
He argued that the implementation of the law itself was another issue until the Minister brought an amendment in 2017 to be given to a proper institution that would handle the matter.
The bill is in line and apt, he said, so all the members should support the Bill to make sure that at least tenants of in this country have a voice and are treated fairly.
Hon Amadou Camara, Njanija NAM also said that in the fifth legislature, there were only two private bills in the entire legislature but in the sixth legislature a lot has been improved, and they are still hoping that more will come.
“The bill should not generate much debate because most of the members and government are renting,” he stated.
He stated further that the Bill is very clear, and even the majority of the rented properties are not registered and the government should take note of that, too.
Hon Kebba Tumanding Sanneh of Foni Jarrol said the Bill is timely and long overdue, and “It is all about regulations and control. If you fail to regulate it, others will monopolize the system. As a member, you have done your part in tabling the bill but is left to the NA to act.”
The bill is good as it seeks to address the challenges, bringing it to the living standards of our people as their earnings are very low. Sanneh reiterated
He lamented that “Majority of the people cannot afford the rent fee and they are suffering. Also, the bill is supposed to mention (currency and system of payment) because a lot of landlords charge in foreign currencies which are a burden on tenants.”
For, Honourable Sainey Jawara of Lower Saloum, “I speak the truth based on facts, not mere rumors. The issue of rent is everyone’s concern. As members, we are here to represent the people and make sure that we make an impact in the lives of the people by setting good laws.”