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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 31858, member: 636"] The heads of Kanifing and Banjul have spoken up after President Barrow asked them to work with his government on market problems. Both leaders showed careful thinking when they answered him. Their councils belong to opposition parties and have not always had smooth dealings with the national leaders. President Barrow talked about team efforts during his visit to people who lost things in the Sandika Market fire. He wants councils to help make markets safer and possibly move them to better spots. Mayor Talib Bensouda from Kanifing said he likes the idea of working together but faces big roadblocks. He explained that since 2020, his team has asked for papers for 44 important properties. Seven of these places were meant for building new markets. The land ministry never answered these requests, despite many follow-up calls. Bensouda believes these papers would have helped create modern markets before the fires happened. He urged the president to tell the land department to act fast on these requests. Bensouda added that better teamwork between local and national officials could fight poverty and crime more effectively. He called on President Barrow to start bringing all Gambians together, beginning with partnerships that include opposition-run areas. Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe from Banjul expressed much stronger doubts about working with Barrow. She believes the president does not truly want to cooperate with her council at all. She described feeling pushed aside by his administration regularly. Lowe mentioned she became the first mayor ever questioned by police about an audit report. She pointed out that all councils have audit questions, but only her staff faced punishment. Twenty-seven workers have lost their jobs since October. The government moved her CEO and Finance Director without talking to her first. President Barrow threatened her position and took away McCarthy Square from the council. Parts of Crab Island were also removed from council control. The Banjul mayor has completely lost trust in the current leadership. She feels her city faces attacks on purpose. Lowe asked how she could believe in a government that treats her like an enemy but claims it wants to work together. She stated her right to doubt this administration because of the special problems she faces compared to other council leaders across the country. [/QUOTE]

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