Talib Bensouda, mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has laid the foundation stone for the construction of Tallinding South Park in the Gambia. The park will include a playground, soccer field, and gym. The project is funded by the European Union and is managed by the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Programme (KETP).
The goal of the project is to make municipal citizens’ lives more environmentally friendly while also regenerating and expanding seven parks to provide a green area for children and people with disabilities.
Tallinding South Park in the Gambia to improve social inclusion
Mayor Bensouda claimed that by creating accessible green public places, the park would improve social inclusion. Particularly for children, young people, women, and people with disabilities.
He said, “The creation of these parks is essential to the municipality’s efforts to green the city. And improve its citizens’ quality of life while fostering resilience.”
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According to Bansouda, the initiative is in response to community consultations and parents’ requests for easy access to recreation. And playing field facilities that are secure and well-maintained within the municipality.
He explained, “Upgrading and preserving public parks will provide an opportunity to enhance the biodiversity. Such as planting native trees which are becoming rare species and using the space as an educational resource to demonstrate the link between sustainable living and the environment.”
Remarks of the councilor of Tallinding South on the project
Councillor of Tallinding South, Karamo Ceesay, highlighted the importance of laying the first park for Tallinding under his councillorship. He acknowledged the council’s funding of the KETP initiative, which places 500 bins along the route.
He added, “Additionally, we received 9,000 mangrove trees from KMC to put alongside the river. Due to the trash truck’s inability to access the riverbank, a transfer station will also be built with council help.”
Since there isn’t a park built in Tallinding South, most children play by the river. However, Ceesay claimed that if the park is built, all children will go there to play.
