Gambiaj.com – (Brikama, The Gambia) – The Brikama Area Council (BAC) has raised strong objections to a directive issued by the Governor of the West Coast Region (WCR), Ousman Bojang, ordering the demolition of vendor stalls near the Brikama Magistrates’ Court. The council described the move as unjustified and counterproductive to the region’s development aspirations.
In a public statement, the council revealed that earlier on Wednesday evening, the Brikama Police Command informed vendors relocated to the area near Methodist Academy of an impending demolition. Vendors were warned to vacate the premises by the afternoon or face the destruction of their stalls the following day.
Seeking clarity, BAC officials engaged the Brikama Police Command, who disclosed that the demolition order came directly from Governor Bojang during a meeting held at his office earlier that day. The Governor reportedly invoked a presidential mandate to justify the action.
However, conflicting explanations emerged during the engagement. A senior officer from the Brikama Police Command attributed the urgency to pressure from their higher command, stating, “We are labeled as a weak command for failing to enforce Operation Clear the Road within our jurisdiction.”
The council emphasized that the relocation and reorganization of vendors in the area were carried out in consultation with the authorities responsible for enforcing the road clearance initiative. Furthermore, the council exercised its statutory authority to regulate and manage public spaces.
On January 14, 2025, officers from Operation Clear the Road visited the area to inspect the restructured stalls. They reportedly confirmed that the stalls were well-aligned and did not obstruct traffic flow. This assessment, coupled with updates shared by the Gambia Police Force on their social media platforms praising the enforcement efforts, was cited as evidence of the council’s commitment to collaboration.
The council condemned the governor’s order as an act motivated by “hatred and a desire to deter our efforts” to develop the region. They reiterated their determination to resist actions that undermine their mandate to promote sustainable development in the West Coast Region.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among vendors, who fear losing their livelihoods. Many expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of coordination and fairness in the decision-making process.
As the deadline for the demolition looms, the Brikama Area Council called for dialogue and cooperation to resolve the issue amicably, warning that unilateral actions could undermine public trust and disrupt progress in the region.
