gambia: banjul urban profile · its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or...

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GAMBIA: BAnjul uRBAn PROFIlE

Regional and Technical Cooperation Division

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Copyright © united nations Human Settlements Programme (un-HABITAT), 2011 All rights reserved

united nations Human Settlements Programme publications can be obtained from un-HABITAT Regional and Information Offices or directly from:P.O.Box 30030, GPO 00100 nairobi, Kenya.Fax: + (254 20) 762 4266/7E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.unhabitat.org

This Banjul report was prepared by joseph Guiebo and Kerstin Sommer.

The urban profiling in Gambia was managed by juldeh Ceesay and lamin jobe.

HS/1159/09F

ISBn: 978-92-1-132125-8

DISClAIMER

The designation employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the united nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries, or regarding its economic system or degree of development. The analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the report do not necessarily reflect the views of the united nations Human Settlements Programme (un-HABITAT), the Governing Council of un-HABITAT or its Member States. This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European union.

Excerpts from this publication may be reproduced without authorisation, on condition that the source is indicated.

Photo credits: © un-HABITAT

ACKnOWlEDGEMEnTS

Design and layout: Florence Kuria


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GAMBIA: BAnjul uRBAn PROFIlE

United nations HUman settlements Programme REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA AND THE ARAB STATES

FOREWORDS 4

BACKGROUND 7

GOVERNANCE 10

SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND 12

GENDER AND HIV/AIDS 15

ENVIRONMENT 17

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 19

BASIC URBAN SERVICES 21

URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER

MANAGEMENT 23

PROJECT PROPOSALS Governance 25 Slums, Shelter and Land 28 Gender and HIV/AIDS 31 Environment 34 Local Economic Development 37 Basic Urban Services 40 Urban Safety and Urban Disaster Management 43

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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FOREWORDS

According to research published in un-HABITAT’s flagship report, The State of the World’s Cities 2010-2011, all developing regions, including the African, Caribbean and Pacific states, will have more people living in urban than rural areas by the year 2030. With half the world’s

population already living in urban areas, the challenges we face in the battle against urban poverty, our quest for cities without slums, for cities where women feel safer, for inclusive cities with power, water and sanitation, and affordable transport, for better planned cities, and for cleaner, greener cities is daunting.

But as this series shows, there are many interesting solutions and best practices to which we can turn. After all, the figures tell us that during the decade 2000 to 2010, a total of 227 million people in the developing moved out of slum conditions. In other words, governments, cities and partner institutions have collectively exceeded the slum target of the Millennium Development Goals twice over and ten years ahead of the agreed 2020 deadline.

Asia and the Pacific stood at the forefront of successful efforts to reach the slum target, with all governments in the region improving the lives of an estimated 172 million slum dwellers between 2000 and 2010.

In sub-Saharan Africa though, the total proportion of the urban population living in slums has decreased by only 5 per cent (or 17 million people). Ghana, Senegal, uganda, and Rwanda were the most successful countries in the sub-region, reducing the proportions of slum dwellers by over one-fifth in the last decade.

Some 13 per cent of the progress made towards the global slum target occurred in latin America and the Caribbean, where an estimated 30 million people have moved out of slum conditions since the year 2000.

Yet, un-HABITAT estimates confirm that the progress made on the slum target has not been sufficient to counter the demographic expansion in informal settlements in the developing world. In this sense, efforts to reduce the numbers of slum dwellers are neither satisfactory nor adequate.

As part of our drive to address this crisis, un-HABITAT is working with the European Commission and the Brussels-based Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group to support sustainable urban development. Given the urgent and diverse needs, we found it necessary to develop a tool for rapid assessment and strategic planning to guide immediate, mid and long-term interventions. And here we have it in the form of this series of publications.

The Participatory Slum upgrading Programme is based on the policy dialogue between un-HABITAT, the ACP Secretariat and the European Commission which dates back to the year 2002. When the three parties met at un-HABITAT headquarters in june 2009, more than 200 delegates from over 50 countries approved a resounding call on the international community to pay greater attention to these urbanization matters, and to extend the slum upgrading programme to all countries in the ACP Group.

It is worth recalling here how grateful we are that the European Commission’s 9th European Development Fund for ACP countries provided EuR 4 million (uSD 5.7 million at june 2011 rates) to enable un-HABITAT to conduct the programme which now serves 59 cities in 23 African countries, and more than 20 cities in six Pacific, and four Caribbean countries.

Indeed, since its inception in 2008, the slum upgrading programme has achieved the confidence of partners at city and country level in Africa, the Caribbean and in the Pacific. It is making a major contribution aimed at helping in urban poverty reduction efforts, as each report in this series shows."

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I wish to express my gratitude to the European Commission and the ACP Secretariat for their commitment to this slum upgrading programme. I have every confidence that the results outlined in this profile, and others, will serve to guide the development of responses for capacity building and investments in the urban sector.

Further, I would like to thank each Country Team for their continued support to this process which is essential for the successful implementation of the Participatory Slum upgrading Programme.

Dr. Joan Clos Executive Director, un-HABITAT

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The Participatory Slum upgrading Programme is one of the most vibrant projects today in The Gambia and is involved in poverty alleviation and the fight against social exclusion. It involves the urban profiling of urban conditions in the capital city of Banjul.

By its very nature, the program will improve local democratic governance by increasing citizen participation. The proposed action will contribute towards the decentralization and government reform programme. The country strategy poverty alleviation, the millennium development goals and Vision 2020 of the Gambia, support a participatory approach to development and poverty alleviation.

The program will also strengthen the capacity for sustainable development in local communities. As part of its proposed actions, it will explore, through public private dialogue, the citizens’ potential role in combating urban poverty to compliment more traditional forms of assistance to the poor and help in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It will further seek to explore and consolidate public-private partnerships at local government level with a view to strengthening local communities in sustainable development. This has been exemplified by the focus group discussions (FGD) that were held in each of the nine wards within Banjul.

On behalf of the participating municipalities, I wish to thank those who have contributed immensely to the realization of this project. Special mention should be made of the Government of The Gambia and un-HABITAT, without whose support the program could not have been implemented.

As beneficiaries, we appreciate the efforts put into the conceptualization of the program and as such as we shall not falter in the realization of its goals for the betterment of our communities and for the benefit of our people.

Samba FaalMayor of Banjul

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BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTIONThe urban profiling in Banjul consists of an

accelerated, action-oriented assessment of urban conditions, focusing on priority needs, capacity gaps, and existing institutional responses at local and national levels. The purpose of the study is to develop urban poverty reduction policies at local, national and regional levels, through an assessment of needs and response mechanisms, and as a contribution to the wider-ranging implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The study is based on analysis of existing data and a series of interviews with all relevant urban stakeholders, including local communities and institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, academics, and others. The consultation typically results in a collective agreement on priorities and their development into proposed capacity-building and other projects that are all aimed at urban poverty reduction. urban profiling is being implemented in over 20 African and Arab countries, offering an opportunity for comparative regional analysis. Once completed, this series of studies will provide a framework for central and local authorities and urban actors, as well as donors and external support agencies.

METHODOLOGY�e Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme consists of three phases:

Phase one consists of the rapid profiling of urban conditions at the national and local level. The capital city, a medium-sized city, and a small town are selected and studied to provide a representative sample in each country. Information is collected through standard interviews and discussions with institutions and key informants, in order to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the national and local urban set-ups. The findings are presented and refined during city and national consultation workshops and consensus is reached regarding priority interventions. national and city reports synthesize the information collected and outline ways forward to reduce urban poverty through holistic approaches.

Phase two builds on the priorities identified through pre-feasibility studies and develops detailed capacity-building and capital investment projects.

Phase three implements the projects developed during the two earlier phases, with an emphasis on skills development, institutional strengthening, and replication.

This report presents the outcomes of urban Profiling Phase One at the national level in Banjul.

URBAN PROFILING IN BANJULIn The Gambia, the urban profiling focuses on Banjul

(the capital city), Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Brikama town in the western region. Through desk reviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and institutional questionnaires, the profiling exercise targets municipalities, government departments, private institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the academia within the selected cities.

A Focus Group Discussion was held in each of the 29 wards within the three municipalities/regions covered in the profiling exercise. In each ward, the session brought 20 participants discussing urban poverty issues. Discussions were guided by a team of moderators that comprised of a facilitator, secretary and observer.

The purpose of the various data collection mechanisms was to obtain information on people’s perception regarding the causes, effects and possible solutions to urban poverty. This brought together a cross section of youth, adults, men, and women for interactive discussions at each stage of the assessment. The discussions allowed interaction among all participants which encouraged them to give out detailed opinions on the gains and issues hindering urban poverty eradication.

REPORT STRUCTURE This report consists of:

1. a general background of the urban sector in Banjul, based on the findings of the national assessment report, a desk study, interviews, and a consultation held in Banjul in 2005. The background includes data on administration, urban planning, the economy, the informal sector, the private sector, urban poverty, infrastructure, water, sanitation, public transport, street lighting, energy, health, and education;

2. a synthesis of seven main thematic areas - governance, slums, gender and HIV/AIDS, environment, local economic development, basic urban services, and urban safety and urban disaster management - in terms of the institutional set-up, regulatory framework, resource mobilisation, and performance (this second section also highlights agreed priorities and includes a list of identified projects); and

3. a SWOT analysis and an outline of priority project proposals for each theme. The proposals include beneficiaries, partners, estimated cost, objectives, activities, and outputs.

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DEMOGRAPHY According to the Atlas of the 2003 Population

and Housing Census, the population of the Gambia in the year 2003 was 1,360,681. Reports clearly showed that between the 1993 and 2003 census, the national population grew 31 percent from 1,038,145 to 1,360,681. (Population and Housing Census, 2003, p.11).

Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, is located on St. Mary’s island which is situated at the mouth of the river Gambia. The fact that Banjul is an island tends to pose limitations on its physical growth. The city has an area of 2,199km2 land area. Because of this perceived limitation, there is a record number of households migrating out of Banjul into the peri-urban areas (Kanifing municipality and Brikama). With a population of 35,061 inhabitants (2003 census), the city is considered densely populated.

Banjul City Council (BCC) is the administrative organ of the city with a mayor as head of council. The city is divided into nine wards each headed by an elected councilor. The City has been greatly influenced by urban drive for a greener pasture in terms of access to education, employment and other modern living amenities. Being the capital city hosts more of the administrative structures and business institutions than people live who live there.

Banjul is also multi-ethnic. The major problems facing Banjul is the rapid in-flow of urban drive to earn better living. Banjul experienced crowded housing conditions with limited structures for occupancy. (Source Census 2003, CSD and findings of the Community consultations ( Focus Group Discussions held at ward levels).

TABLE 1:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

DIVISION / MUNICIPALITY

MALE FEMALE BOTH SEXES

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS

Banjul Banjul City Council 18,906 15,922 34,828 6,744

Kanifing Kanifing municipal Council

164,054 158,536 322,410 49,564

Brikama Western region 197,566 195,421 392,978 45,396

mansakonko lower river region 34,689 37,857 72,546 8,474

Kerewan north Bank region 83,386 89,420 172,806 18,458

Kuntaur Central river region

38,313 40,785 79,098 7,155

Janjangbureh Central river region

51,698 55,103 106,799 10,244

Basse Upper river region 88,116 94,917 183,033 12,454

tHe gamBia 676,726 687,781 1,364,507 158,489

Adapted from the 2003 population and housing census

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THE SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economy. Banjul is the capital city and administrative seat of Government. It attracts many businesses and is the main headquarters of many trading firms. Economic activities in Banjul are mostly banking, fishing and wholesale trading which contribute to the economic performance of the country.

There is a major market in Banjul which hosts all types of businesses and is the trading hub of the country. Many goods that are available in this market can not be found in other regions.

Most of the revenues are collected in the form of market duties and capital gains tax. The rapid increase in urban population has brought with it several environmental and socio-economic problems including pollution, waste generation and management, and stress on health care, education and employment services. There are no farming activities in Banjul due to the surrounding mangroves. Being a low lying island, the city is under threat as evidence shows that a one meter rise in sea level will cause the city to disappear.

Poverty level. The proportion of population below uSD 1 purchasing power parity (PPP) per day account for 7.6 percent in Banjul compared to that of Kanifing with 37.7 percent and Brikama with 56.7 percent. The national average is 55.5 percent (Poverty Head Count Index, 2009 projections). The poverty gap is 0.8 percent compared to that of Kanifing with 6.8 percent and Brikama with 13.7 percent respectively. Banjul records a low rate of poverty and this could be as a result of availability of employment opportunities and income generation activities. The major pressing needs for Banjul are infrastructure development and environmental management in the form of good roads, drainage systems and sewage systems, and provision of proper housing and shelter for the poor.

Transport. The most efficient mode of transportation is by motor vehicles. Transportation to and from Banjul is hampered by a poor public transportation system which is the main mode of transportation for most citizens. Taxi services are also available but they are too expensive for most of the people of Banjul, therefore people prefer to walk to their destination. A modern, low cost transport system is needed in the city. The major challenges facing Banjul are coastal erosion, poor state of roads and lack of a proper drainage system to protect roads from damage during the rains.

Health Services. In terms of health, the major hospital is situated in Banjul. The hospital caters to most of the critical medical patients in the area. There are highly qualified medical personnel in the hospital. In addition, there are two minor health facilities also situated in the city. There are also many privately owned clinics in the city.

Banjul experiences lower rates of HIV/AIDS than other parts of the country. This is due to high awareness levels about the disease.

The major challenges faced by the health care industry are high migration rates of medical personnel to other countries in search of greener pastures and the low capacity to train more medical personnel and retain them. More support is needed with regard to equipment and financial resources to complete some of the on-going works within Royal Victoria Hospital.

Education and Literacy Rate. The Ministry of Education is located in the capital city of Banjul. There are three senior secondary schools in Banjul and many upper and lower basic schools. There are also several nursing schools and kindergartens.

Banjul recorded the highest enrolment rate in schools (108 percent in 2008 as compared to Kanifing with 93 percent and Brikama with 76 percent). Banjul recorded the highest literacy rates of people aged 15-24 at 75.1 percent literacy rate followed by Kanifing (69.7 percent) and Brikama (69 percent). Despite the high literacy rate, adult literacy programmes are conducted in Banjul through the Community Skills Initiative Project (CSIP) funded by African Development Bank (ADB) and implemented by the Department of Basic Education. This gives opportunity to the less fortunate to access education.

The major challenges facing schools in the city of Banjul are as follows:

Inadequate teachers and infrastructure•

Difficulty in transporting students to and from •Banjul

low quality of education •

Shortage of learning materials •

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The Gambia adopted a policy on decentralization of local government systems in response to section 193 and 194 of the Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia (1997). Current local government legislation in The Gambia provides for the self-administration of local governments by elected councils. Democratic local government authorities in The Gambia have now established a common arrangement for the viability of decentralization.

In Banjul, there exists a functioning decentralized government system headed by a Mayor and Deputy Mayor and municipal structures composed of Ward Development Communities (WDC’s) headed by councillors. The municipal authority has the following institutional arrangement:

In Banjul there are nine wards.•

The WDC is an entry point for development in each •of the wards.

The WDC through democratically elected members •select representatives known as councillors. All plans at ward level are presented in the WDC meeting for further transmission to the municipal council (local authority) for possible funding.

The need for capacity building for the leadership of •the WDCs is a priority. The leaders need training in project development and management as well as in understanding the whole process of the government reform programme on the roles and responsibilities of WDC members.

GOVERNANCE

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP BCC as the municipality makes provisions for •the functions, powers and duties of the local authorities.

For the implementation of decentralization, •arrangements have been made to establish/strengthen the Community Development Officers (CDOs) and Community Development Assistance (CDAs) as field extension resources to set-up Municipal Development Fund, local Government Pension Scheme, local Government Service Scheme, and develop the local Government Communication Strategy.

Decentralization from central government to •municipalities has occurred in education, health, water resources, roads, planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

There are WDCs, women groups and sports •committees. The WDCs in each ward are elected through general meetings and by a democratic system. They are composed of various sub-committees. These institutions play an important role in the formulation and implementation of development projects. They are held accountable to the rest of the citizenry for any failures or under performance of projects.

The elected councillor of each ward serves as the •chairperson of the WDC in accordance with the constitution and the local Government Act 2002.

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INSTITUTIONAL SET UPunder the municipality exists the Physical Planning •and Development Control unit which handles the processing of approval of physical development plans and control of developments (including buildings) for creating a better environment and proper use of land in Banjul.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKland use plans exist and promote equal access to •land by both women and men.

Municipal authorities do not allocate land, thus they •do not have land use policies.

One of the roles of municipal authorities in the local •economic development of Banjul is the provision of basic urban services, for example, electricity and water supply.

People who live in slums in Banjul particularly •those who encroach on water bodies or government reserves do not have title deeds and are vulnerable to government evictions.

SECURITY OF TENUREWhen there is eviction, slum owners are not protected, •thus no compensation is usually paid. Eviction is usually ordered by the courts and sometimes by the Ministry for local Government and lands.

no record is kept of such evictions and notices of •eviction are served before eviction. Illegal settlements are usually allocated by traditional land owners who cannot obtain documents for the said land.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Very little service is given to slum dwellers, even •though the slum dwellers pay rates and other taxes to the municipal authorities.

The few assistance municipal authorities give come •from rates and taxes they receive from people.

no organization is given assistance (financial or •technical) to upgrade housing for women headed households. Very little credit opportunities are available, because of lack of collateral. The little credit that is given goes into economic activities such as farming.

All the organizations agree that lots of capacity •gaps exist in their organization, at both managerial and lower levels. Although the Government under the Personnel Management Office is responsible for staff training on physical and town planning, the municipal authorities and nGOs should complement the efforts by Government.

The only projects the municipal authorities do in •slum areas are road maintenance and provision of infrastructure and social amenities. Therefore, there is a need for slum upgrading projects in the slum areas in Banjul.

CHALLENGES land is not affordable to the poor and to secure it •is very difficult. Very few women can afford to buy land, they therefore depend on their male partners.

Very little assistance if any is given to slum dwellers •to enable them to improve their livelihoods. The only assistance comes in the form of providing food and clothing when disasters occur. no housing survey is carried out in slum areas, thus little information is obtained on the activities of slum dwellers. Municipal authorities pay little attention to slum dwellers and hardly provide assistance to them.

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SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND n°1

Project proposal Page 29

Upgrading of access roads

SLUMS, SHELTER AND LANDn°2


decentralization of land acquisition system

SLUMS,SHELTER AND LANDn°3


reclamation of swamps and mangroves area

agreed Priorities

upgrading of roads.•

Improvement of drainage and sewerages.•

Reclaiming of swampy and mangrove areas.•

Compulsory acquisition of land.•

Review of land policies.•

Rehabilitation of old buildings.•

Decentralization of land acquisition system•

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GENDER AND POVERTYPoverty is a major challenge in Banjul and studies

have indicated that it is on the rise and increasingly has a feminine face. Gender inequality is one of the main causes of poverty. Majority of the women are illiterate and have limited access to and control of economic resources in Banjul. Poverty impedes access to formal banking systems as collateral is needed to access loans and women do not normally own land or have the collateral needed to apply for formal bank loans. The only loan facilities for women are normally acquired through micro credit initiatives, of which the interest rates are very high. This has been aggravated by the fact that most women are not enterprising enough and lack the capacity to begin and run a successful business. Thus economic empowerment is key for the socio-economic advancement of women.

In an attempt to reduce poverty rates in the country, the second PRSP builds on the long term development objectives for attaining the MDGs and Vision 2020 and mainstreams gender as one of the cross-cutting issues in alleviating poverty.

GENDER AND EDUCATIONMajority of women are illiterate due to certain factors

such as poverty, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. This has resulted in the limited advancement of women in education and professionally. The Government of The Gambia and development partners have intensified

GENDER AND HIV/AIDS

their efforts to increase both formal and informal education for girls and women. The council also plays a greater role in helping the girl child by assisting mothers to set up businesses that will enable them to educate their children. They also give scholarships to the poor. According to the 2003 census, the literacy rate of females aged between 15 and 24 was 75.1 percent which was much higher than Kanifing (70.6 percent) and Brikama (69.9 percent).

GENDER AND HEALTH The health services in Banjul are very good and

accessible. However, women and children are more vulnerable to disease and infection, especially HIV/AIDS. Maternal mortality rates are also high.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMENThe ineffective implementation of international

women’s rights conventions and laws protecting women from violence women has left women unable to protect themselves from domestic and sexual violence. Efforts have been made by the government and development partners to address this issue, for example, there is a lifetime imprisonment sentence for rapists. This is the most common crime committed against young girls and women. Due to the culture of silence and shame towards rape, many cases of rape go unreported. Cases of domestic violence are also a major concern.

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GENDER ANDHIV/AIDS n°1


micro-credit lending with low interest



Creation of income generating activities



market outlets

WOMEN AND ECONOMYMost women in Banjul are engaged in business

activities in the form of petty trading. Access to micro-credit is the main challenge for these women. The absence of entrepreneurial skills and innovative livelihood skills also hinders women from economic development.

WOMEN AND GOVERNANCEBecause women participate fully in politics and

administration, they should be allowed to voice their concerns and given as much audience as their male counterparts. In the area of politics, there is a steady increase in the number of women contesting elections. Banjul out-numbered the number of elected women councillors across the rest of the region with four out of six councillors being women (MDG 2009 Status Report).

WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

It is mostly women who are involved in taking care of the environment. lack of solid environment policies and regulations have led to the gradual degradation of the environment. Indiscriminate dumping of waste, rapid urbanization and pollution are some of the major factors leading to the degradation of the environment. Because women are largely responsible for the management of the household, they need to be sensitized on the need for proper disposal of waste.

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UPA women’s bureau was established as an •implementation arm of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs through regional structures empowering women and enhancing their capacities.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKThe Ministry of Women’s Affairs has been set up •to formulate policy and other issues related to the advancement of women in the country and the main quarter is located in the city of Banjul.

Partnerships have been built with key stakeholders •(public, private and nGO sectors and the civil society) to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

agreed Priorities

Construction of skills training centres.•

Creation of market outlets.•

Increased income generating activities for women.•

Provision of credit facilities with low interest rates •to women entrepreneurs.

Introduction of adult literacy classes to enable •illiterate women to gain access to education.

Provision of counseling services and security •measures for women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Encouraging the participation of women in •politics.


There is significant donor support through •sector intervention and nGOs in line with the PRSP implementation (2007 - 2011) plans and programmes.

Quite a significant number of CSOs and nGOs are •involved in the development of the city and provide not only resources but also assist in implementing relevant activities.

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INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The national Environmental Agency (nEA) is the lead institution in disseminating information on environmental issues in addition to the media houses and newspapers. Specific groups trained on environmental management also conduct sensitization. The sensitizations are done through community gatherings and radio and TV programmes.

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UPThere are few organizations such as municipal •authorities, nGOs, nEA, and Action Aid who assist in the field of waste management and sanitation. They collaborate through the national Disaster Management Committee (nDMC) which is a coordinating body. The activities of nDMC are usually disseminated on radio and TV.

The nEA proposes to the council to form environment •committees responsible for environmental awareness issues, waste management and monthly cleaning exercises known as “Set-Setal” at the end of each month.

ENVIRONMENT

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKThe environment policies are well known by •the communities. However, implementation of environmental policies is slow due to lack of proper and regular monitoring of the implementation process by nEA and lack of a strict law enforcement system.

The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) •regulation and guidelines aim to integrate environmental concerns into all development planning and construction of infrastructure such as roads, drainage and sewage systems.

The municipality hosts a Monitoring and Evaluation •unit responsible for monitoring environmental quality at the regional level and the Public Health Act (1990) grants wider powers to public health inspectors to inspect premises, close down premises deemed to be public hazards, enforce food and hygiene controls, and prevent harmful products entering the country through the main sea port.

The water division of the Department of Water •Resources and the national Water and Electricity Company (nAWEC) is responsible for monitoring the water quality in Banjul.

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CHALLENGES lack of proper management of waste disposal.•

lack of modern transport for waste dumping.•

lack of proper sewage system.•

Environmental pollution.•

Poor enforcement of environmental laws on •indiscriminate waste dumping.

lack of capacity building and training on proper •waste management techniques.

Inadequate materials and equipment for •embarking on monthly cleaning exercises.

low awareness level and lack of coordination on •environmental issues.


Training programmes are conducted on •cleanliness, hygienic practices and environmental management. Specific groups trained on environmental management also conduct training programmes through the nEA. City Councils also conduct similar trainings in joint collaboration with nEA. These trainings are usually funded by development partners.

agreed Priorities

Provision of cleaning material. •

Provision of parking spaces for vehicles and removal •of unused vehicles on the street.

Rehabilitation of drainage and sewage system.•

Rehabilitation of the waste management system.•

Regular collection of waste.•

Demolition of old and run-down structures.•

Promotion of wider sensitization campaigns on the •importance of good environmental practices.

Strengthening environmental management and •institutional capacity building supported by additional measures in terms of finance and technical assistance to implement environmental policies.

ENVIRONMENT n°1


Construction of drainage system

ENVIRONMENT n°2


rehabilitation of the sewage system

ENVIRONMENT n°3

Project proposal Page 36improved waste management system

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LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Although many inhabitants of Banjul are employed in the formal sector, informal activities such as petty trading, tie and dye and soap making were found to be important sources of income. However the opportunities to access capital or credit to start up or expand businesses are limited and interest rates are too high.

There are many business opportunities in Banjul and Albert Market is the capital’s main urban market. The market is essentially very lively with a large selection of both local and imported goods for sale.

The sea-port generates a lot of employment and re-export trade opportunities are also available in Banjul, making it a very lucrative commercial city.

In terms of employment promotion, the City Council in collaboration with Gamworks, Gambia Priority Employment Programme (Gamjobs), and the national Enterprise Development Initiative (nEDI) are engaged in employment creation targeting women and youth.

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UPThe Social Development Fund (SDF) funded •by the ADB also supports entrepreneurship and micro-finance activities including skill development and capacity building programmes through the Community Skill Initiative Project (CSIP) which is located in Banjul. This project is also funded by the ADB and assists women and other vulnerable groups in Banjul to address acquire skills and start up businesses.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKFlexible macro-economic policy regime to facilitate •access to credit for productive investments and employment creation.

The Government plays a key role in creating a more •enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. This begins with the adoption policies, along with programmes and projects that encourage the development of new markets, accelerates the use of new technologies, and improves the managerial skills of businessmen and women in all levels.

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LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT n°1


scholarship schemes for students

LOCAL ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTn°2


Fishing and fish processing

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT n°3


marketing and storage facilities

agreed Priorities

Establishment of a multi-purpose skills training •centre to impart skills to the youth to enable them to earn a source of livelihood.

Scholarship scheme for poor children to enable •them to access education.

Establishment of a micro-finance credit schemes to •provide low interest loans to the poor to enable them to start up businesses.

Establishment of a fish processing industry.•

Creation of market outlets and storage facilities.•


Donor support through sector interventions, •the private sector, and nGOs in line with the PRSP implementation (2007 - 2011) plans and programmes.

Quite a significant number of CSOs• and nGOs are involved in the development of the city, providing resources and implementing relevant activities.

There is a lack of comprehensive waste •management, treatment and disposal system through effective drainage and sewage systems in the city.

Capacity building in Policy Analysis and •Advocacy, to ensure the effective implementation of the policy areas and extended to the community actors.

The Gambia’s formal employment sector is very •small, employing just over 10 percent of the labour force in Banjul City.

unemployment among the women and youth •making them more vulnerable to poverty.

Acute unemployment and poverty among the •youth results in them resorting to desperate measures, such as dangerous sea-borne attempts to immigrate to Europe.

An efficient tax collection system needs to be put •in place in the council.

lack of adequate capacity to implement the strategic •plan owing to the weak agency staffing in quality and quantity.

lack of enough funding for the council is a concern •as without enough resources, the municipality will not be able to translate its development strategies into actions.

CHALLENGESlimited employment opportunities. •

lack of financial support to small and medium •enterprises (SMEs).

Inadequate markets.•

lack of market outlets.•

lack of farming implements.•

unemployment.•

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BASIC URBAN SERVICES

Some of the key issues facing the city include:

The lack of a proper sewerage connection. •

Dilapidated road network.•

Inadequate and unreliable transport network. •

Poor and blocked drainage systems. •

Inefficient waste collection and management •system.

Continuous raw-sewage blockages. •

The population of Banjul has quadrupled since •independence. Therefore the provision of social utilities, housing, and recreational grounds needs to be urgently looked into.

Presently there is a slight improvement in terms of •access to safe drinking water although there is need to ensure more people are able to access this precious commodity.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKThe City Council’s primary role is the management •of the provision of basic urban services.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

The City Council draws its revenue from the following main sources:

Government contribution to the municipalities.•

Taxation and levies.•

Capacity building support received for training of •councillors for better service delivery by donors such as the Department of Community Development (DCD).

CHALLENGESTax evasion by business owners resulting in shortage •of revenue in the City Councils.

Corruption by City Council officials which negatively •affects the provision of basic urban services.

Inadequate technical and human resource capacity •to deal with the challenge of improving basic urban service delivery in the city.

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agreed Priorities

Improved collection and disposal of solid waste.•

Provision of safe and affordable water to all •households.

Capacity building of councillors for better service •delivery.

Training of civil servants on project implementation, •monitoring and evaluation.

Rehabilitation of the existing drainage system. •

Improved revenue collection system by the •municipal authorities.

Construction of roads.•

Improvement in water and electricity supply.•

BASIC URBANSERVICES n°1


training on development of ward plan

BASIC URBAN SERVICESn°2


training of council staff on waste

BASIC URBAN SERVICES n°3


training on project implementation, monitoring and evaluation

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URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

URBAN SAFETYThe FGDs held in the wards reveal that a large

number of people are not aware of any urban safety policy. The reason is because the Gambian government does not have a policy on urban safety. It should be noted however, that the police regularly and constantly use radio and TV programmes to sensitize the public on safety and security. The coordination network during disasters is done at community level using community volunteers. The main safety and security issues include:

High occurrence of crimes such as burglary, mugging •and pick pocketing.

Poor street lighting in the town and residential •areas.

Increase in drug abuse among the youth.•

The main underlying causes of safety and security issues are:

High levels of poverty and unemployment.•

Increase in drug use and drug addiction among the •youth.

URBAN DISASTER RISKDisaster risk reduction is associated with the Office

of the Vice President and BCC.

Although there is a BCC Disaster Management Committee, those for the wards are yet to be set up. The main disaster risks in the wards are fire out-breaks, water shortages, seasonal floods, ferry disasters, automobile accidents, and exposed overhead electrical cables falling down.

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP The establishment of a Major Police Station serving •the entire municipality and the country at large. Their key role will be maintaining internal security, defense and creating safety measures.

The development of the national Disaster •Management Policy and Disaster Management Agency under the Office of the Vice President’s Office. The legal and institutional framework in 2008 provides a basis for the prevention and control of disaster with its coordinating body present in Banjul.

gambia: banjul urban profile · its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or...

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