Gambiaj.com – As Saturday, 26th April’s local government councillor by-election approaches, Half-Die finds itself at a pivotal moment. Two candidates, Salieu M.S. Jallow of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Barthalomeh “Bolo” Colley of the National People’s Party, are stepping forward, each deeply rooted in the ward, and committed to addressing the community’s urgent needs.

The ongoing expansion of the Banjul Port has significantly altered Half-Die’s socio-economic landscape, making this election particularly crucial for both candidates.

Salieu M.S. Jallow: A Grassroots Advocate

Salieu M.S. Jallow, 36, brings extensive experience in community organizing and youth activism. A lifelong resident of Half-Die and a 2001 graduate of Saint Augustine High School, he has witnessed the ward’s rapid transformation firsthand. “Half-Die is no longer the residential place it once was,” Jallow states, highlighting the displacement caused by port expansion.

He co-founded the “Bena Banjul South Carnival” and serves as administrator of Ngoyan Football Club, demonstrating his commitment to community cohesion. Jallow’s political journey, which includes supporting past mayoral and parliamentary campaigns, led him to the PPP, where his vision for Half-Die resonated.

If elected, his priorities include establishing a Ward Development Committee, implementing a “Mbalit” waste management project, and addressing traffic and safety concerns related to port activity. He emphasizes collaboration and collective work.

Barthalomeh “Bolo” Colley: A Youth-Driven Vision

Barthalomeh “Bolo” Colley, also a Saint Augustine’s alumnus and Half-Die native, is a familiar face to the ward’s youth, especially those in the “Nawettans”. While new to political office, he has a history of civic engagement. He is a founding member of “Benna Banjul South Association”.

He believes that youths should step more into politics as a mean to have a voice in solving the problems of their community. His platform focuses on practical solutions, including lobbying and fundraising for solar street lighting and organizing monthly sanitation drives.

Colley acknowledges the shift from residential spaces to warehouses, a significant structural change in the area driven by the port expansion. “Aside from the ports, many residential spaces have now become warehouses. This shift has changed the essence of our community, hence the need for a housing reorganization,” he said. Colley also aims to bring a fresh perspective to local governance.

The Port Expansion: A Double-Edged Sword

The Banjul Port Expansion Project, funded by a $20.5 million African Development Bank grant, aims to boost national trade through pier extension, container terminal expansion, and Bund Road widening. Both candidates acknowledge that the port expansion has brought both opportunities and challenges. While it has bolstered the economy, it has also led to residential displacement, increased traffic accidents, and the erosion of Half-Die’s community character.

Both candidates recognize the port’s impact as a central issue. Jallow identifies it as the ward’s “biggest challenge,” while Colley notes the proliferation of warehouses. They agree that addressing these issues requires collaboration among government authorities, the port authority, and the community.

As Half-Die prepares for this critical election, the community seeks leadership that understands and addresses the complex challenges posed by rapid development. In a ward reshaped by industrial expansion, they will choose between two candidates who promise leadership that listens, understands, and acts in the best interests of the community.

A video of both candidates speaking to our reporters can be viewed here