The Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, Talib Ahmed Bensouda recently laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Bakau recreational park. The park is under the KETP project worth D6 million dalasis. 

In accordance with the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Program (KETP), the European Union is providing D3 million in funding, and the Africell Company is providing a further D3 million to build a basketball court and an outdoor fitness center. Thus, D180 million will be spent on the implementation of the KETP projects altogether. 

Overview of the Bakau recreational park

When completed, the recreational center will have a six-sided football field, restrooms, and a chain-link fence around the perimeter. Additionally, Africell Gambia Ltd has shown its dedication to building a complete basketball court with a fully functional outdoor gym. 

Mayor Bensouda said the event was the second park amongst the seven KETP parks they intend to lay. He pointed out that the initiative includes elements related to waste management, and education, saying: “KMC is ready for business.” 

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According to KETP project manager Lamin Sanyang, by building the seven parks, the city will become greener. And children will have secure places to play that also provide access for people with impairments. He continued by saying that it will also improve inhabitants’ quality of life, and promote urban green development. As well as aid in attempts to mitigate global warming. 

Young people to serve as Bakau recreational park ambassadors

According to Mr. Sanyang, Scope Enterprise was given the KETP project contract. With the mandate to build two playgrounds for kids over the course of two months. He disclosed that in order to maintain and sustain the parks, the community would choose young people to serve as park ambassadors. These ambassadors will receive training in landscaping and park management methods. 

Furthermore, he gave the assurance that the project team would work closely with Council and the Bakau Village Development Committee. In order to ensure efficient management of the facility. He commended Africell Company for their friendly relationship and support as well as the European Union for being helpful since the start of the contract through the EU Ambassador to The Gambia. 

Young people from KMC are the foundation of Africell subscribers, according to Musa Sise of Africell. He observed that it was important to support any project that would enhance and support a healthy lifestyle, especially in sports.