Lamin Market has now been relocated to the outskirts of the village, where new structures, including canteens, toilets and water facilities were installed.

The old market, located in the heart of the village, had drawn several concerns because of its small size and accompanying inconveniences. As a result, many vendors, especially women were forced to display their products on sacks spread on the ground, while buyers had to walk through the narrow passages, squeezing each other to provide for their households.

Business activities have started in earnest at the new market, regarded by many as a welcome relief to vendors, especially women who trade in horticultural produce. The new market is fitted with 35 permanent canteens which are rented out to traders.

Commenting on the new market in an interview with the Daily Observer, Bala Musa Cham, Chief Executive Officer of the Brikama Area Council, said his Council spent D1.9 on the construction of the newly constructed Lamin Market. He said the water and toilet facilities are working effectively, adding that plans are in advance to connect the market to electricity distribution network.

According to him, the market will increase trade in the area. He then called on the people of Lamin and its satellite villages to take proper care of the market and its facilities in a sustainable manner.

The BAC’s CEO described the market as one of the best in Western Region in terms of its space, size and location. He pointed out that the market will racket the revenue base of the Council for future developments and then urged canteen owners and other traders at the market to pay their dues on time in order to bring about more development.

Ousman Gaye, Chairman of BAC, said his Council and some members of the National Assembly in the region have held discussions centred on the development of the Council, constraints and the way forward. Mr. Gaye described the meeting as successful, saying that the NAMs in the region and his Council should see themselves as partners in development.

He revealed that a task force committee was formed at the end of the meeting that includes two NAMs from the region, namely Hon Paul Mendy of Kombo South and Hon Borry S. Colley of Foni Jarrol.