Pa Kalifa Sanyang, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has disclosed that the municipality has embarked on a number of projects geared towards rebuilding markets in areas like Old Jeshwang, Tallinding Sicap and Abuko.

The whole project, he said, amounts to D8M (eight million dalasis). The KMC spokesperson made this remark on Tuesday, during a chat with the Daily Observer. According to him, the project, which started in February this year, revolves around upgrading and modifying all these markets. "In fact, we are demolishing the existing markets which are being replaced by solid ones," he stated.

He urged Gambians to take advantage of the opportunities created by the authorities so as to contribute their quota to the country’s development. In its efforts to remedy this situation, Sanyang indicated that this time round, priority will be given to Gambians. Reacting to these positive developments,  Ndey Jammeh, a vendor at Old Jeshwang Market, said that the importance of building a new market cannot be overemphasised. She then noted that Serrekunda Market is too far for people in her area to go for shopping." This market will bring development to this place, so we are very grateful to have a market in Old Jeshwang,’’ she said.

Mustapha Camara of Old Jeshwang agreed with Ndey Jammeh’s remark, saying that the market will directly impact on people’s life, as there are a lot of advantages. He told this reporter that the project has already created employment opportunities for the youths of Old Jeshwang, as most of them are now working on the construction process. He hoped that the youths of Old Jeshwang will spare no efforts to venture into businesses and make good use of the market.

Fatou Njie of Tallinding Sicap also said that they are very happy as they will have a better market. ‘‘The people of Tallinding are very happy about the initiative and they are proud of it. We must thank KMC and the government of The Gambia for undertaking this laudable initiative,’’ she said.