By: Nyima Sillah
University of The Gambia lecturer Alasana Gitteh has called on President Adama Barrow and other relevant authorities to assume responsibility for finding a lasting solution to the space issue that the evicted women vendors at the Brikama market have been wrestling since their eviction.
For more than two months now, the women vendors have been pushed from pillar to post following their eviction from the market by the authorities.
Their eviction was part of the nationwide road-clearing exercise but there appears to be no end in sight to their predicament as the Gambian authorities were unable to provide them with an alternative space to vend their wares.
Mr. Gitteh, who is also a member of the Girls’ AgendaBoard, pointed out that Brikama is a critical business hub for people in the West Coast Region and other parts of the country, lamenting that the displacement of the women vendors from the regional capital’s main market “is growing beyond control” as they couldn’t find space to sell their vegetables.
He argued that the eviction was the outcome of the operation to clear the roads but that it later became a political football which, he bemoaned, has been affecting the livelihoods, health and emotional wellbeing of vendors, especially women.
“This is seriously affecting the economic, social, emotional, and health conditions of women. The marketplace is like their farm, office, and safe space for socialization. I call on H.E., the President of the Republic of The Gambia, the governor [of West Coast Region], chairman of BAC, and his councilors to find a positive solution to this situation. The vendors need a better space to continue with their usual business activities,” Mr. Gitteh stated.
He opined that the women vendors are innocent peoplecaught in the middle of simple political misunderstanding between politicians, expressing the hope that the relevant authories will give listening ear to his call for an expeditious and amicable solution to the problem.
“These women are the breadwinners of their families and many depend on their daily sales to feed their family. So, one can image what they must be going through at the moment. I feel so bad anytime I go to the market for groceries. I miss seeing those Smiling Coast smiles on their faces. All I get from them are complaints,” the UTG lecturer stated.
Mr. Gitteh said the Physical Planning Department can advise better on the location and suitability of an alternative place for the vendors.