By: Kemo Kanyi
The National Assembly Member for Sanementereng Constituency, Hon. Fatou Cham, has called on the government of The Gambia to explain the rationale behind the demolition of structures in Sukuta-Salagi, describing the act as “unnecessary” as it renders citizens homeless.
She challenged the Minister of Lands, Hamat N.K. Bah to furnish Gambians with justification of the demolition of homes in Salagi, which affected about 17 families in the area. During her tour of the affected area, Hon. Cham visited affected homes which were outraged about the manner of the demolition. They [victims] accused the government of not communicating to them prior to the demolition exercise.
Meanwhile, Department of Physical Planning embarked on demolition of structures on March 28, 2025, claiming the occupants were not authorized to carry out development in that area. This was denied by the residents, arguing that they were issued with development permits by the authorities.
“The activity carried out here is utterly wrong. Why render the children of the country homeless? Why render women homeless? Why is the government rendering its citizens homeless? The government must not render its people homeless. Governments all over the world support their citizens with shelter, but the action in Sukuta-Salagi is unfortunate. They are displacing citizens from their hard-earned properties,” Hon. Cham spoke against the government.
Continuing her remarks, the parliamentarian described the action of the authorities as “heartless” and a sign of “lacking empathy”. She pointed out that other countries prioritize affordable housing over displacing citizens, warning that this must be the last time the resident of Sukuta-Salagi experience such “unfair” treatment meted out by the government.
“This must be the last time Sukuta-Salagi faces this kind of demolition. You cannot prioritize football fields, prayer grounds, or recreational facilities over people’s homes. We are exhausted by these unnecessary actions, and this must come to an end now,” she stressed in a warning directed to the government while on a visit to Salagi on Saturday.
Hon. Cham went on to add that she would continue defending the people of Sukuta-Salagi against “injustice and maltreatment”, while calling for accountability and justice for the affected families. She also advised the victims to disassociate themselves from any physical altercation with authorities, stating that there’s room for peaceful dialogue to resolve the alarming issues of the area.
