By Makutu Manneh
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry has directed AGIB Bank Managing Director Isatou Jawara to provide all documents related to the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) ‘Mbalit’ project.
Isatou Jawara testified before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, clarifying the bank’s role in financing the Mbalit Project. Testifying before the commission, Jawara said she was unaware of KMC approaching AGIB for a loan to purchase the waste collection trucks. She stated that if such an application had been submitted, it was likely rejected as not viable.
“I have not seen anything from KMC,” she told the commission.
‘No Direct Deal with KMC’
Jawara explained that AGIB Bank has a credit unit responsible for processing loan applications. Commission Counsel Patrick Gomez insisted there should be a file related to KMC’s purchase of the ‘Mbalit’ trucks and demanded that the bank provide it.
The AGIB MD, however, stated that any transaction would have been between the bank and Espace Motors, not KMC.
“We have a partnership agreement with Espace Motors, but it is not a credit line—it is a profit-sharing arrangement,” she said.
She detailed how Espace Motors initially proposed the project to AGIB Bank. After assessing its viability, AGIB agreed to finance the purchase of 19 ‘Mbalit’ trucks under a profit-sharing model rather than a credit facility.
Commission Seeks Further Evidence
The commission requested documentation, including assessment reports, on the financing of the trucks. Jawara maintained that the project was viable, but Counsel Gomez challenged her, insisting it was not.
“We will discuss this further when you bring the documents,” he said.
Jawara is expected to reappear before the commission today at 10:00 a.m.
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry is investigating the financial and administrative operations of local councils between May 2018 and January 2023 as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability.
