GRTS – Gambia Radio and Television Services – PRESIDENT BARROW PROMISES BANJUL-STYLE ROADS PROJECT FOR SEREKUNDA, WARNS YOUTH AGAINST POLITICAL EXPLOITATION

GRTS – Gambia Radio and Television Services – PRESIDENT BARROW PROMISES BANJUL-STYLE ROADS PROJECT FOR SEREKUNDA, WARNS YOUTH AGAINST POLITICAL EXPLOITATION

PRESIDENT BARROW PROMISES BANJUL-STYLE ROADS PROJECT FOR SEREKUNDA, WARNS YOUTH AGAINST POLITICAL EXPLOITATION President Adama Barrow has promised to replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda to modernise one of The Gambia's largest urban centres. The President pledged at a meeting in Serekunda as his Meet the People Tour entered the Kanifing Municipality (KM). He also warned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians for selfish political ends.

President Barrow and his entourage were warmly received as his motorcade approached Serekunda School football field, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the meeting. The gathering was dominated by calls for continued support for President Barrow and the NPP-led Alliance. The Alkalo of Bundung, Saikou Konateh, thanked the President for solving the persistent water problems in Bundung, noting that water is now available.

He pledged to mobilise his constituents to vote for President Barrow as a show of gratitude. Veteran politician and native of Serekunda, Hon. Kebba Jallow, urged the people of KM to abandon the opposition and embrace the ruling alliance, which he said has the welfare of the people at heart.

Lady Councillor Anna Mbye, youth representative Mbayam Ceesay, and NPP Regional Chairman Mustafa Touray highlighted developments in KM under President Barrow, including the construction of roads, expansion of education and improved water supply. They, however, decried the poor state of services under the current municipal leadership, particularly the lack of water and toilet facilities at the Sandika and Serekunda markets, and urged voters to change the leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). Former NAM for Latrikunda Sabiji, Hon.

Saikou Marong, said KM has immensely benefited from President Barrow's projects, citing roads built across the municipality as evidence. Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K.

Bah, defended President Barrow's nine-year record as "development politics that delivers results." He argued that politics should not be about empty rhetoric but tangible results that improve lives. He disclosed that the government has launched a $45 million WACA project to develop the Kotu stream that runs through KM. According to him, the project will build bridges, promote economic activity, eliminate flooding and improve livelihoods.

He appealed to the people of KM to vote for President Barrow in December to continue his development agenda. "Serekunda Deserves Better" In his address, President Barrow praised the impressive turnout, saying it provided a unique opportunity to dialogue on national issues. He noted that Serekunda holds a special place as one of the country's biggest settlements.

He challenged the people of KM to "rectify their political mistakes" by electing authorities willing to work with the central government to deliver development. While acknowledging massive developments in the last decade, he lamented the lack of cooperation from municipal authorities, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities while living in luxury. "This situation must change.

KM deserves better," the President said, citing poor waste collection and the absence of water and toilet facilities in markets. President Barrow warned youth against being used as pawns by politicians, noting that during recent protests, many participants were children allegedly paid to vandalise public property. He urged them to desist from acts that undermine peace.

Development Plan for Serekunda Outlining his programme, President Barrow disclosed plans to: Replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda. Ensure 24-hour water and electricity supply. Sign a contract with an international company to collect and recycle waste from KM into renewable energy.

Decommission the Bakoteh dumpsite and reclaim the land to build a garage and market for the people of KM. He challenged the people of Serekunda to take their destiny into their own hands and vote for progress, stating that the NPP-led Alliance stands for development, peace and stability. The tour continues in Kanifing Municipality with a meeting in Manjai Kunda.