Banjul Safe City Project Launched to Promote Cleanliness and Safety
By Mariama Dem
The Banjul City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, has initiated the Banjul Safe City project in collaboration with its partners. The project was officially launched on Monday, February 5th, 2024, with the aim of addressing pressing issues such as environmental degradation, economic instability, and gender-based violence in the capital.
The primary objective of the Banjul Safe City project is to establish a clean, crime-free, child and woman-friendly environment that not only enhances the city’s economy but also serves as a national model for collaborative development.
Key components of the project include environmental safety, prevention of gender-based violence, reduction of crime, creation of child-friendly safe spaces, and promotion of employment and development opportunities.
Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe underscored the importance of the project in restoring Banjul’s reputation for cleanliness and safety. She expressed her vision of Banjul becoming a city with the lowest crime rate, a welcoming environment for children and women, an inclusive society that respects diversity, and a thriving economic center with a protected coastline.
Acknowledging the resource constraints faced by the Banjul City Council, Mayor Lowe called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, business operators, and citizens, to address the city’s challenges effectively.
Key public sector partners, including the Ministries of Works, Environment and Tourism, UNFPA, and the Gambia Police Force, have been identified to play a crucial role in implementing the project.
Latirr Carr, the project consultant, outlined the project’s goals, including achieving a litter-free city by 2029, reducing crime by 60% through improved lighting and monitoring systems, and implementing measures to protect the city’s coastline and marine wildlife.
Representatives from UNFPA and various ministries expressed their support for the project, emphasising its importance for Banjul and the entire country. They pledged their commitment to the successful implementation of the Banjul Safe City project.