By: Kemo Kanyi
The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Friday launched a D30M pilot project titled “Leveraging Google Plus Codes to Improve Waste Management and the Local Social Contract in Kanifing”.
The project aims to expand access to essential basic services such as waste collection and sustainability in local revenue increment and it’s designed to strengthen waste management and taxation systems, enhance infrastructure, environmental quality public health in the Kanifing Municipality.
The program will be piloted and evaluated in 2025 and 2026 before a possible generalization to the whole municipality after the piloted period.
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of KMC, stressed his council’s commitment to embracing innovation and fostering collaboration to address challenges faced by his municipality.
‘’This project exemplifies our commitment. By leveraging Google Plus Codes, we are taking a bold step toward transforming waste management, improving tax system, and enhancing the delivery of essential public service. These advancements aim to reinforce our social contract with Kanifing’s citizens, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable municipality,’’ the mayor said during the launching of the pilot project on Friday.
Bensouda added that the project represents more than a technical advancement, but it will strengthen the connection between KMC the community, builds trust and demonstrate his council’s commitment to delivering ‘’real improvements’’ in the lives of the citizens.
The pilot project will be initiated under the collaboration of KMC, the University of The Gambia, University of Essex, University of Oxford, New York University and Cebbina Lee as the research coordinator of the project.