As the wind continues to toss the swirly dust around the mayoral seat in the city of Banjul, six candidates have applied to contest the January election under the patronage of the APRC party, the Daily Observer can reveal.

This latest quest for APRC’s candidacy is unprecedented since the birth of the Second Republic, being the highest number ever recorded.

The six potential candidates are Samba Faal, former secretary of state for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, who once served as Banjul mayor for seven years, Mam Sai Njie-Sanneh, the outgoing acting mayoress of Banjul, Abdou Jallow, former deputy managing director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Emmanuel Manukumba Williams, the defeated APRC candidate in the last Banjul Mayoral election, Alhaji Saloum OB Njie, and Pa  Majara Njie.

The Daily Observer went out yesterday to establish the veracity of the story and was successful in interviewing five of the six aspirants, who spoke about their reasons and aspirations for the people of the city of Banjul.

Mam Sai Njie-Sanneh
Mam Sai Njie-Sanneh, 40, who was the last occupant of the mayoral seat, told the Daily Observer that she needed to be given the chance to serve for another term in order to complete the many projects that she started during her two-year tenure as acting mayoress of The Gambia’s capital.

She expressed fear that having a different person in the position could hinder the “smooth” completion of the projects. She revealed that she had already finished plans to embark on a housing scheme in collaboration with the Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation for the city’s dwellers, saying that the plan is only awaiting approval to start in earnest.

“I have also negotiated with Guaranty Trust Bank for a road and drainage project for Tobacco Road, and another one with Gamworks for the reconstruction of roads in six streets namely, James Senegal, Primet, Old and New Primet, Pill and Spalding Streets,” she explained.

She recalled that during her tenure, she succeeded in setting up environment and development committees in each of the wards in the city, adding that each of these wards was granted D30,000, excluding equipment, to carry out cleansing exercises in the city. This, according to her, has yielded positive results in ensuring environmental cleanliness in the city.

”I also invested a lot in developing the human resource base of the council by sending the staff for training to tertiary institutions and up to university level. I have revitalised the international links of the council, which were dormant. I have paid salaries on time, put the council back on a strong financial footing, and computerised the financial system of the council,” she said.

Mrs Njie-Sanneh told the Daily Observer that she has also set up a foundation in Banjul for the youth and women, who seeks to address unemployment. She confirmed that the foundation has succeeded in achieving its desired objectives, as most people in the city are now self-employed.

“Everyone knows I am an APRC militant with a track record of loyalty and adherence to the principles of the government and the party,” she concluded.

Alhaji Saloum OB Njie
Alhaji Saloum OB Njie told the Daily Observer that his experience as a former holder of political office from the 70s to the late part of the last century availed him the competence to effectively manage the Office of Mayor of Banjul in line with the wishes of the electorate.

Alhaji Njie affirmed that if chosen and elected as the new mayor, his immediate priority will be to improve the image of the city and ensure a proper sanitation and garbage collection system.

”I will also orientate the populace with regards to the sewage system and solicit friendly ties with councils in other countries for the benefit of Banjul,” he said.

Emmanuel Manukumba Williams
Another aspirant for the mayorship, Emmanuel Manukumba Williams, told the Daily Observer that he wants to give Banjul a new look, as the present situation does not give it the proper status of a city. He added that the social services currently available are not satisfactory, singling out the city’s sanitation system as an example.

According to him, he has the experience to better serve Banjul for he was a councillor for  over 12 years, which according to him, is a plus to his political wealth and organisational ability.

”I feel I should be the choice to give Banjul a new look. The intention and the ability is there, coupled with my commitment and determination.”

He then assured the people of Banjul that he will become their most effective mayor if given the chance to steer the affairs of Banjul.

Mr Williams, 63, is married with five children.

Abdou Jallow
Abdou Jallow, one of the aspirants, said his decision to vie for the mayoral seat is driven by his passion to serve The Gambia, the APRC government, and humanity at large and to make a positive difference in Banjul.

Mr Jallow said his political turn-back gives him the opportunity to serve the country, having worked in the public service and honourably retired. According to him, he has already set up a Maritime Training Institute to train the youth of Banjul, describing the industry as highly lucrative.

”Having travelled far and wide, it will give me a good chance to perform better,” he said. Mr Jallow, 64, is married with children.

Pa Majara Njie
Pa Majara Njie, like his fellow aspirants, wants to serve the people of Banjul to flare its development. Mr Njie singled out housing as a major problem confronting the city and promised to do his utmost to resolve it once chosen and elected as the mayor of Banjul.

”I will work towards eradicating mosquitoes and improve the road and sanitation system within the city, and train the council staff,” he said.

Mr Njie, 60, is married with six children. He studied both in the UK and Germany.