By Sariba Manneh
Kanifing Municipal Council’s (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has reaffirmed his Council’s dedication to zero waste strategy and to the ‘war on waste initiative’ by enhancing the capacity of its waste management unit with some essential equipment for the Services Department.
The mayor said the handing over of the brand new trucks, ten skip buckets, one water tricycle, and two lawnmowers to the Services Department, to bolster Council’s waste management infrastructure is a significant step forward in his Council’s waste management efforts. Mayor Bensouda highlighted the significance of the newly acquired assets, noting that they would augment KMC’s existing fleet of multipurpose trucks that now total 30, along with 20 skip buckets. And with these additions, he said the Council is better equipped to tackle waste management issues effectively.
“Over the past six years, Kanifing Municipal Council has diligently procured and paid for this equipment, resulting in one of the most well-resourced services departments per capita in the sub-region,” the KMC Mayor said. He said much has been achieved in waste management and much more is to come this year with KETP, including a recycling shed at Bakoteh dumpsite; seven miniature transfer stations in seven communities; a weigh bridge at Bakoteh dumpsite for future processing of waste; that this is what KMC is currently working on with donor support from EIB and UNCDF.
Mayor Bensouda expressed gratitude to the European Union and the Peterborough City Council in UK for their partnership and support in advancing KMC’s waste management objectives.
Lamin Sanyang, the KETA project Manager, said the procurement of the equipment was made possible through KMC’s KETA project, supported by taxpayer funds. He said the items will bolster the Services Department significantly in Council’s waste management efforts. The ceremony marked the official transfer of two brand-new trucks; ten skip buckets; one water tricycle, and two lawn mowers to bolster the Council’s waste management objectives.
The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Trevor Gibson from Peterborough City Council, a key partner in KETP implementation, as well as directors and staff members of KMC. The event underscored the Council’s commitment to addressing the persistent waste challenges facing the municipality. Representative from Espace Motors, Mr. Ousman Kebbeh; Mr. Trevor Gibson of Peterborough City UK; Mr. Bakary B. Darboe, ‘Mballit’ manager, also delivered remarks, and emphasized the collaborative efforts driving progress in waste management within Kanifing Municipality.
