An ultra modern market  has been built in the village of Old Yundum in Kombo North. The market, which is said to be second to none in the country by virtue of its  size and structure,   is solely financed by the community  with technical backup from the Brikama Area Council. The project lasted for nearly a year.

Situated along the busy Old Yundum Tabokoto route on the village’s reserve land, the market has already transformed the area to a business centre as traders come  all the  way from Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and other parts of the Kombos to do trading.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, the outgoing intereme chairman of Brikama Area Council, Ousman Gaye, who doubles as an executive committee  member of the market, said that the project began in February 2007 following approval from government.

He said that the market cannot be compared to any in the country due to its size and the magnificent structures built in it.  "All the structures  in the market are of first class standard. There is no  makeshift  structure, and safety precautions have been put in place incase of emergency or disaster."

Mr Gaye described the market as a pilot project  for other communities  to follow, to compliment government’s efforts in national development.  He added: "It is also a clear indication that if people join hands they can achieve Vision 2020 in the shortest possible time"

He then paid tribute to the Alkalo of the village for his visionary leadership in ensuring that the land had been reserved  and the  project  realized." President Jammeh, Vice President Njie-Saidy and her team all need to be commended for their approval and support for the project." He said.

For his part, Mahmoud Faye, VDC chairman who doubles as head of the market committee said the project though financed by the community, will create  a revenue base of nearly D5M in rates and taxes for the Brikama Area Council on annual basis as the market will be handed over to them after its formal opening.

He said that the market’s location has already turned the area into a business centre, thus boosting the income of the population of the area. " Before many residents used to  travel to Serrekunda for business but this is now the opposite" he added.

According Faye, the project also included the construction of a police station  to protect life and property in the market in particular and the village in general. "We are also up-grading the health post by  fencing and erecting a waiting shed, and also fencing the football field for the youths ." he revealed

He then thanked the Chief, Demba Sanyang of Kombo North and Governor Abdou Badjie for their support and encouragement throughout the  duration of the project. "We are also grateful to President Jammeh , Vice President Njie-Saidy and all those who contributed towards making the project a success",he concluded.