Talib Bensouda the UDP candidate for the upcoming KMC mayoral elections has said that his party will sweep the polls in next month’s franchise.
Speaking to the press yesterday at the nomination of UDP municipal councillors, Mr Bensouda said: “This huge crowd is for UDP. Today is the councilors’ day, not the mayor’s day and I am here to show solidarity to the councilors that are nominated today. You can see that the UDP is the biggest party and we will surely win all the 19 wards. We cannot estimate the percentage but we will win the majority.”
Bensouda who said he will hit the ground running once elected, outlined: “I plan to restructure KMC to bring in the capacity that is needed to carry out the services, secondly to build the budget from 19 million to one billion dalasis and to invest in environment and health management. [We will] move the Bakoteh dumpsite to a land that is outside the community,” he said.
Bensouda said his development priorities will also include development of feeder roads, provision of water and streetlights, creation of gainful employment for the youths and women and reduction of prices of the basic commodities.
He said relocating the Bakoteh dumpsite will be the right move given that it neighbours schools, a hospital, an orphanage and residences.
Habib Ceesay of Ebo Town Ward, said at the last election, he got 78% of the votes and that he will increase his percentage this time around.
“I have many projects to run, example, water and sanitation are my major problems and markets at Ebo Town. We have only few markets and we need many other things.
Ansumana Bayo contesting the Latrikunda Sabiji seat, said: “Development is my concern especially for Latrikunda Sabiji Ward. The comfort of my people should be my number one priority. Right now I am fully prepared with my campaign team and the people of Latrikunda have decided.”
Basiru Sarr of Kanifing South Ward said: “I choose UDP because they have freed the Gambian people with the new democracy and have brought development to this country. Kanifing South has been lagging behind in terms of community development. I will empower the youths because in my area many of them lack job yet they have quality education.”
Isatou Ceesay for Bundung Ward said: “I will make sure my objectives are realised. I will succeed because I am supported by women in my ward. I have been working with men too. I cannot work without them. My priority areas are the same priorities of the KMC, namely, to ensure social and environmental development and sustainability. I will fulfill my promises to my ward.”
