Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Sainabou Martin-Sonko, has detailed her involvement in the controversial contract with Eco-Tech Africa Company and highlighted allegations of financial mismanagement and political interference during her tenure. Her testimony sheds light on the project’s inception, challenges, and alleged improprieties involving senior officials.

Martin-Sonko explained that the Eco-Tech Africa initiative was introduced to her during a meeting with three representatives of the company. According to her, the project was designed to enhance the transparency and accountability of KMC’s “Mbalit” (waste collection) funds without requiring any financial investment from the council. Eco-Tech was to supply all equipment and infrastructure while benefiting from revenue-sharing arrangements.

Excited about the concept, she discussed it with Mayor Talib Bensouda, who agreed to support the project. Following initial consultations, the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) flagged the council’s approach as non-compliant and directed them to revise the process.

Martin-Sonko stated that KMC adhered to the directive, after which the contract was approved.

During a three-month trial period, the project reportedly boosted the council’s “Mbalit” revenue from D1 million to between D1.4 million and D1.8 million. However, issues soon emerged when Eco-Tech requested a refund for roller equipment. While the expected payment was D500,000, the company submitted an invoice for D950,000.

Martin-Sonko testified that the Eco-Tech general manager, Gaston, claimed the increase had been agreed upon in discussions between the company’s president and KMC’s Deputy Mayor. A voice recording provided by Gaston revealed that D450,000 of the amount was earmarked for councillors, raising suspicions of potential kickbacks.

The controversy deepened when Mayor Bensouda returned from Sierra Leone and questioned the payment. Martin-Sonko revealed that she played the recording for the Mayor, exposing the Deputy Mayor’s involvement.

According to her, Farimang Mane, a senior official implicated in the conversation, attempted to deny the claims but later begged her to keep the recording confidential, fearing political fallout during the election season.

Martin-Sonko expressed disappointment with the Mayor’s response, alleging that he failed to take decisive action against the Deputy Mayor. She further claimed that the Mayor and other officials sought to silence her, worrying that the revelation of the tape could harm their political ambitions.

In her testimony, Martin-Sonko also suggested that other officials, including Karamo Ceesay and Habib M.L. Ceesay, had sought financial favors from Eco-Tech under the guise of community support.

The former CEO stated, “They knew I had something against them, and they wanted to use that against me.” She added that internal tensions escalated after she guaranteed funds for the council’s staff welfare association, an action that reportedly drew criticism from key figures.

These revelations have sparked renewed scrutiny over the management of public funds and the transparency of KMC’s dealings.

The KMC and Eco-Tech Africa have yet to issue statements regarding the allegations.