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1
Copyright © United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), 2012
All rights reserved
This Banjul report was prepared by Joseph Guiebo and Kerstin Sommer.
The urban profiling in The Gambia was managed by Juldeh Ceesay and Lamin Jobe.
HS Number: HS/093/11E
DISCLAIMER
The designation employed and the presentation of the material in this publication does 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 authorization, on condition that the source is indicated.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Design and Layout: Florence Kuria
2
GAMBIA: BANJUL URBAN
PROFILE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD 5
BACKGROUND 7
GOVERNANCE 11
ENVIRONMENT 16
PROJECT PROPOSALS
GOVERNANCE 25
ENVIRONMENT 34
3
44
FOREWORD
5 5
The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme is one development. This has been exemplified by the focus
of the most vibrant projects in The Gambia today and group discussions that were held in each of the nine
is involved in poverty alleviation and the fight against wards within Banjul.
social exclusion. It involves the profiling of urban
conditions in the capital city of Banjul. On behalf of the participating municipalities, I wish
to thank those who have contributed, immensely, to
By its very nature, the programme will improve the realization of this project. Special mention should
local democratic governance by increasing citizen be made of the Government of The Gambia and UN-
participation. The proposed action will contribute Habitat, without whose support the programme could
towards the decentralization and Government reform not have been implemented.
programme. The country strategy poverty alleviation,
the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2020 As beneficiaries, we appreciate the efforts put into the
of The Gambia, support a participatory approach to conceptualization of the programme and as such we
development and poverty alleviation. shall not falter in the realization of its goals for the
betterment of our communities and for the benefit of
The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme will also our people.
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 Samba Faal
aimed at strengthening local communities in sustainable Mayor of Banjul
FOREWORD
66
BACKGROUND
7 7
analysis and an outline of priority project proposals Banjul is a crowded multi-ethnic city burdened by the
for each theme. The proposals include beneficiaries, rapid inflow of rural migrants seeking a better life.
partners, estimated cost, objectives, activities, and
outputs.
THE SOCIO ECONOMIC
DEMOGRAPHY DEVELOPMENT
According to the Atlas of the 2003 Population and Economy
Housing Census, there were 1,360,681 Gambians in Banjul is the nation’s capital and administrative seat
2003. Reports clearly showed that between the 1993 of Government. It attracts many businesses and is the
and 2003 censuses, the national population grew 31 main headquarters of many trading firms. Economic
per cent from 1,038,145 to 1,360,681. (Population and activities in Banjul are mostly banking, fishing and
Housing Census, 2003, p.11). wholesale trading which contribute to the economic
Banjul sits on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the performance of the country.
River Gambia. Because Banjul is an island, its physical There is a major market in Banjul that hosts all types of
growth tends to be limited. Because of this perceived businesses and is the trading hub of the country. Many
limitation, there are a record number of households goods that are available in this market cannot be found
migrating out of Banjul into the peri-urban areas of the in other regions. Most of the revenues are collected in
Kanifing Municipality and Brikama. With a population the form of market duties and capital gains tax.
of 35,061 (2003 census), Banjul is considered densely
populated. The rapid increase in urban population has brought
with it several environmental and socioeconomic
The Banjul City Council is the administrative organ of problems which include pollution; waste generation and
the city with a mayor as its head. The city is divided into management; and pressure on health care, education
nine wards each headed by an elected councillor. The and employment services. There are no farming
city’s attractiveness to Gambians has been largely due to activities in Banjul due to the surrounding mangroves.
the opportunities it offers for education, employment Being a low-lying island, the city is under threat: it will
and modern living. As the capital, it hosts the largest be submerged with just a one-meter rise in sea level.
number of administrative structures and businesses in
the country.
TABLE 1:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIVISION / MALE FEMALE BOTH NUMBER OF
AREA MUNICIPALITY SEXES HOUSEHOLDS
Banjul Banjul City Council 18,906 15,922 34,828 6,744
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND
88
Poverty Level Banjul has lower rates of HIV/AIDS than other parts
of the country, due to a high-level of awareness of the
The proportion of the population with below USD disease.
1 purchasing power parity per day is 7.6 per cent in
Banjul, 37.7 per cent in Kanifing and 56.7 per cent in The major challenges of the health care sector are the
Brikama. The national average is 55.5 per cent (Poverty high migration rates of qualified medical personnel
Head Count Index, 2009 Projections). The poverty seeking greater salaries in developed countries, and
gap in Banjul is 0.8 per cent compared with Kanifing’s a low-capacity to train and retain adequate numbers
6.8 per cent and Brikama’s 13.7 per cent. Banjul’s low of medical personnel. More financial and equipment
rate of poverty could be as a result of job opportunities support is needed to complete some of the ongoing
and the availability of income generating activities. upgrades within the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital.
The major pressing needs for Banjul are infrastructure
development and environmental management in the Education and Literacy Rate
form of good roads, drainage and sewage systems, and
provision of proper housing for the poor. The Ministry of Education sits in Banjul. There are
three senior secondary schools in the city and many
Transport upper and lower basic schools. Several nursing schools
and kindergartens are also available.
The most efficient and most ubiquitous mode of
transport is the motor vehicle. However, commuters to In 2008, Banjul had the highest school enrolment rate
and from Banjul are served by a poor public transport (108 per cent) when compared with Kanifing (93 per
system. Taxi services are also available but they are too cent) and Brikama (76 per cent). Banjul also recorded
expensive for most of the city residents. As a result, the highest literacy rates of people aged 15-24, at 75.1
many people within the city prefer to walk to their per cent literacy rate; then Kanifing (69.7 per cent)
destination. A modern, low-cost transport system is and Brikama (69 per cent). Despite the high literacy
needed in the city. rate, adult literacy programmes are conducted in Banjul
through the Community Skills Initiative Project funded
Challenges by African Development Bank and implemented by the
country’s Department of Basic Education. This gives
The major challenges facing Banjul are coastal erosion, education opportunities to the less fortunate.
the poor state of roads and the lack of a proper drainage
system to protect roads from damage during the rains. The major challenges facing schools in Banjul are:
Health Services t *OBEFRVBUFUFBDIFSTBOEJOGSBTUSVDUVSF
The country’s leading hospital is The Royal Victoria t %JïDVMUZ JO USBOTQPSUJOH TUVEFOUT UP BOE GSPN
Teaching Hospital in Banjul. It is staffed by highly Banjul
qualified medical personnel and provides care for the
critically ill patients in the area. In addition, there are t -PXRVBMJUZFEVDBUJPO
two minor public health facilities and private clinics
within in the city. t 4IPSUBHFPGMFBSOJOHNBUFSJBMT
9 9
GOVERNANCE
t In Banjul there are nine wards. municipalities has occurred in education, health,
water resources, roads, planning, and monitoring
t The Ward Development Community is an entry and evaluation
point for development in each of the wards
t There are Ward Development Communities,
t Ward Development Communities, through women groups and sports committees.
democratically-elected members, select Development Communities in each ward are
representatives known as councillors. All plans at the democratically elected through general meetings.
ward level are presented at the community meetings They are composed of various sub-committees.
for further transmission to the Municipal Council These institutions play an important role in the
(local authority) for possible funding. formulation and implementation of development
projects. They are held accountable to the rest of the
t The need for capacity-building for the leadership of citizenry for any failures or under performance of
Ward Development Communities is a priority. The projects
leaders need training in project development and
management and in the understanding of the whole t The elected councillor of each ward serves as the
process of the government reform programme, as chairperson of the Development Committee in
well as on the roles and responsibilities of Ward accordance with the constitution and the Local
Development Community members. Government Act 2002
10
10
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK CHALLENGES
t The City of Banjul, through an Act of Parliament, t A number of wards indicated they lack information
has a well-articulated decentralization programme. on published statements on citizen’s rights. This has
It also has a city development strategy to ensure resulted in poor performance and accountability
appropriate actions are carried out towards achieving
the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty t Presently, most of these institutions are dormant
Reduction Strategy Paper and lack capacity to organize meetings and mobilize
resources
t Under the administrative structure of development,
the mayor has established a Technical Advisory
Committee Task Force comprising heads of
institutions, different sectors within Banjul, non-
governmental and civil society organizations chaired AGREED PRIORITIES
by the chief executive officer of the Municipal
Council. This is an indication of the central t Training on institutional capacity-building: for
Government’s commitment to implement a good example of Ward Development Communities
governance strategy at all levels in The Gambia on their roles and responsibilities as part of the
sensitization
t The Technical Advisory Committee has a role in
coordinating municipality programmes respective t Enhance sustainability through the construction
of different sectors and endorsing programme of a resource centre for all skills and income
implementation, resource allocation and monitoring generating activities
t At the community level, there is the formation of t The proposed mechanism for effective
Development Committees composed of councillors, collection of revenue is to improve supervision,
Ward Development Communities, women groups,
the youth and elderly representatives who coordinate eliminate all forms of corruption, and to improve
the development of the community the collection system
1111
SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
Although there are no huge slums in Banjul, there are registration and acquisition. Land encroachment has
several informal settlements that lack access to basic become uncontrollable, even though there is the State
urban services. Amenities like schools, health and skill Lands Act.
centres, and infrastructure - for example drainage,
sewerage, electricity and piped water - are a major
requirement in the “slums”. LAND USE AND PHYSICAL PLANNING
Planning
LAND Physical Development Plans were introduced to
Land in Banjul is acquired through purchase and ease land administration. The maps are zoned for
inheritance and is expensive. It has been suggested that different uses; for example residential, commercial and
wetlands (such as swamps and mangrove) be reclaimed agricultural. The maps are outdated because the last
and that old buildings be renovated and converted revisions were in 1989, even though they should be
into flats (apartments) so the poor can access land and updated every five years.
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
housing.
Human resource development
One of the major tasks that remain unaccomplished
LAND ADMINISTRATION due to lack of skills and knowledge is the upgrading
Different organizations keep separate land registration of the master plans and standards. These tasks could
records. The municipal authorities keep records but not be done because the office responsible, the
without maps; the Department of Physical Planning, Department of Physical Planning and Housing, is
Housing, Lands and Surveys relies only on maps. seriously understaffed. The Department of Lands and
Survey also faces staffing problems. If all the vacancies
The land registration by the municipal authorities is are filled, and adequate training provided, all the land
about 90 per cent while for the Department of Physical related duties and responsibilities would be significantly
Planning, Lands and Survey it is 50 per cent. addressed. Because the Government cannot do
everything, technical assistance may be required to help
The plans need to be updated but land records are bridge the capacity gaps.
generally efficient. The costs for land transactions is
generally high, particularly at the transfer stage where
GMD 4,000 is paid to the municipal authorities per INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
transfer and an average of GMD 40,000 as capital gains
tax. The objectives of the land registration process are t The Physical Planning and Development Control
therefore difficult to meet, because many people decline Unit falls under the municipality. The Unit handles
to register their plots due to the high cost. the processing of approval of physical development
plans and control of developments (including
The difficulties of the current land administration buildings) for creating a better environment and
are numerous; e.g. the master plans are outdated and proper use of land in Banjul
people are not well sensitized with regard to land
12
12
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY-
t Land use plans exist and promote equal access to BUILDING
land by women and men
t Very little service is given to slum dwellers, even
t Municipal authorities do not allocate land, thus though they pay rates and other taxes to the
they do not have land use policies municipal authorities
t One of the roles of municipal authorities in the local t The little assistance municipal authorities give come
economic development of Banjul is the provision of from rates and taxes they collect from residents
basic urban services; for example, electricity and
water supply t No organization is given financial or technical help
to upgrade housing for women-headed households.
t People who live in slums in Banjul, particularly Very few credit opportunities are available, because
those who encroach on water bodies or Government of lack of collateral. The little credit that is given
reserves, do not have title deeds and are vulnerable goes into economic activities such as farming
to Government evictions
t All the organizations agree they have lots of capacity
gaps at managerial and lower levels. Although the
Government, under the Personnel Management AGREED PRIORITIES
Office, is responsible for staff training on physical
and town planning, the municipal authorities t Upgrading of roads
and non-governmental organizations should
complement Government’s efforts t Improvement of drainage and sewerages
t The only projects municipal authorities undertake t Reclaiming of swampy and mangrove areas
in slum areas are road maintenance and provision of
infrastructure and social amenities. Therefore, there t Compulsory acquisition of land
is a need for slum upgrading projects in Banjul
t Review of land policies
13
13
GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
GENDER AND POVERTY to increase formal and informal education for girls
and women. The city council also plays a greater role
Poverty is a major challenge in Banjul. Studies have in helping the girl child by assisting mothers to set up
indicated that it is on the rise and increasingly has a businesses that would enable them to educate their
feminine face. Gender inequality is one of the main children. The city council also gives scholarships to the
causes of poverty in Gambia. poor. According to the 2003 census, the literacy rate
The majority of the women are also illiterate and have of females aged b etween 15 and 24 years was 75.1 per
limited access to, and control of economic resources in cent for Banjul, 70.6 per cent for Kanifing and 69.9 per
Banjul. They do not normally own land or other forms cent for Brikama.
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
1414
WOMEN AND THE ECONOMY t Partnerships have been built with key stakeholders
(public, private sectors and non-governmental
Most women in Banjul are engaged in petty trading organizations as well as civil society) to respond to
but access to microcredit is their main challenge. The the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
absence of entrepreneurial and innovative livelihood
skills also hinders women’s economic development.
It is mostly women who are involved caring for the t Provision of counselling services and security
environment. The lack of solid environment policies measures for women who are victims of domestic
and regulations; indiscriminate dumping of waste; and sexual violence
rapid urbanization; and pollution are just some of the
major factors leading to environmental degradation. t Encouraging the participation of women in
Because women are largely responsible for the politics
household management, they need to be sensitized on
the necessity of proper waste disposal. t A women’s bureau was established as an
implementation arm of the Ministry of Women’s
Affairs through regional structures empowering
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP women and enhancing their capacities
A Women’s Bureau was established, as an implementation
arm of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, through
regional structures empowering women and enhancing
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Project proposal Page 32
t The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has been set up GENDER AND
to formulate policy and other issues related to the HIV/AIDS
advancement of women in the country. The main N°3 Market outlets
bureau is located in the city of Banjul.
1515
ENVIRONMENT
1616
CHALLENGES
t Lack of proper management of waste disposal AGREED PRIORITIES
t Lack of proper sewage system t Provision of parking spaces for vehicles and
removal of those abandoned on the streets
t Environmental pollution
t Rehabilitation of drainage and sewage system, as
t Poor enforcement of environmental laws on well as the waste management system
indiscriminate waste dumping
t Regular collection of waste
t Lack of capacity-building and training on proper
waste management techniques t Demolition of old and run-down structures
t Inadequate materials and equipment for t Promotion of wider sensitization campaigns on the
embarking on monthly cleaning effort importance of good environmental practices
t Low awareness level and lack of coordination on t Strengthening environmental management and
environmental issues institutional capacity-building, supported by
additional measures in terms of finance and
technical aid to implement environmental policies
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY-
BUILDING
t Training programmes are conducted on cleanliness,
hygienic practices and environmental management.
Specific groups trained in environmental
management also conduct training programmes
through the National Environmental Agency. City Project proposal Page 34
Councils also conduct similar training in joint ENVIRONMENT
collaboration with the National Environmental N°1 Construction of drainage system
Agency. These trainings sessions are usually funded
by development partners.
1717
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Although many Banjul residents are employed in the including skill development and capacity-building
formal sector, informal activities such as petty trading, programmes, through the Community Skill
tie and dye, and soapmaking were found to be important Initiative Project located in Banjul. This project is
sources of income. However, the opportunities to access also funded by the African Development Bank and
capital or credit to start up or expand businesses are assists women and other vulnerable groups in Banjul
limited and interest rates are too high. to acquire skills and start up businesses
There are many business opportunities in Banjul. Albert
Market is the capital’s largest market and is a hive of REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
activity, offering a large selection of local and imported
goods. t Flexible macroeconomic policy regime to facilitate
access to credit for productive investments and
The sea port generates much employment and re-export employment creation
trade opportunities are also available in Banjul, making
it a very lucrative commercial city. t The Government plays a key role in creating a
more enabling environment for the private sector
In terms of employment promotion, the City Council to thrive. This begins with the adoption of policies,
in collaboration with the Gambia Priority Employment programmes and projects that encourage the
Programme and the National Enterprise Development development of new markets; accelerates the use
Initiative are engaged in employment creation, targeting of new technologies; and improves the managerial
women and youth. skills of businessmen and women at all levels
1818
in line with the Poverty Reduction Strategy CHALLENGES
Paper implementation (2007 - 2011) plans and
programmes t Limited employment opportunities
t A significant number of Civil Society and non- t Lack of financial support to small and medium
governmental organizations are involved in the enterprises
development of the city, providing resources and t Inadequate markets
implementing relevant activities
t Lack of market outlets
t Banjul lacks a comprehensive waste management,
treatment and disposal system through effective t Lack of farming implements
drainage and sewage systems
t Unemployment
t Capacity-building in policy analysis and advocacy to
ensure the effective implementation of policy areas
and extended to the community actors
t The Gambia’s formal employment sector is very AGREED PRIORITIES
small, providing work for just over 10 per cent of
the labour force in Banjul t Establishment of a multipurpose skills training
centre to impart skills to the youth to enable
t Unemployment among the women and youth make them to earn a source of livelihood
them more vulnerable to poverty
t Set up an educational scholarship scheme for poor
t Acute unemployment and poverty among the youth
results in them resorting to desperate measures, such children
as dangerous seaborne attempts to immigrate to t Establishment of a microfinance credit schemes to
Europe
provide low interest loans to the poor to enable
t An efficient tax collection system needs to be put in them to start up businesses
place in the City Council
t Establishment of a fish processing industry
t Lack of adequate capacity to implement the strategic
1919
BASIC URBAN SERVICES
Some of the key issues facing the city include: t Capacity-building support received for training of
councillors for better service delivery by donors, such
t The lack of a proper sewerage connection as the Department of Community Development
t Continuous raw sewage blockages
t A dilapidated road network CHALLENGES
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES
t An inadequate and unreliable transport network t Tax evasion by business owners resulting in shortage
of revenue in the City Councils
t Poor and blocked drainage systems
t Corruption by City Council officials which
t Inefficient waste collection and management system negatively affects the provision of basic urban
services
The population of Banjul has quadrupled since
independence. Therefore, the provision of social t Inadequate technical and human resource capacity
utilities, housing and recreational grounds needs to be to deal with the challenge of improving basic urban
improved and expanded. service delivery in the city
Presently there is a slight improvement in terms of access t The City Council’s primary role is the management
to safe drinking water, although there is need to ensure of the provision of basic urban services
more people are able to access this precious commodity.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The City Council draws its revenue from the following
main sources:
t Government contribution to the municipalities
t Taxation and levies
2020
Project proposal Page 40
AGREED PRIORITIES BASIC URBAN
SERVICES Training on development of ward
t Improved collection and disposal of solid N°1 plan
waste
t Provision of safe and affordable water to all
households Project proposal Page 40
BASIC URBAN
t Capacity-building of councillors for better SERVICES Training of council staff on waste
N°2 management
service delivery
t Training of civil servants on project
implementation, monitoring and evaluation
Project proposal Page 41
t Rehabilitation of the existing drainage system BASIC URBAN
SERVICES Training on project
N°2 implementation, monitoring
t Improved revenue collection system by the and evaluation
municipal authorities
t Construction of roads
t Improvement in water and electricity supply
2121
URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
AUKI URBAN PROFILE - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
URBAN SAFETY to be set up. The main disaster risks in the wards are
fire outbreaks, water shortages, seasonal floods, ferry
The focus group discussion held in the wards reveal disasters, automobile accidents and falling exposed
that a large number of people are unaware of any overhead electrical cables.
urban safety policy. The reason is that The Gambian
Government does not have such a policy. However, the
police regularly use radio and television programmes to
sensitize the public on safety and security. Coordination INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
during disasters is done at community-level using t Presence of the National Police Headquarters. Its
community volunteers. key role is the maintenance of internal security,
dependance and creating safety measures.
The main safety and security issues include:
t The development of the National Disaster
t High occurrence of crimes such as burglary, mugging Management Policy and Disaster Management
and pickpocketing Agency under the Office of the Vice President’s
t Poor street lighting in the town and residential areas Office. The legal and institutional framework in
2008 provides a basis for the prevention and control
t Increase in drug abuse among the youth of disaster with its coordinating body present in
Banjul
The main underlying causes of safety and security issues
are: t The National Intelligence Agency responsible for
protecting state security, collecting intelligence, and
t High levels of poverty and unemployment conducting covert investigations reports directly to
the President and is located in Banjul
t Increase in drug use and drug addiction among the
youth
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
URBAN DISASTER RISK t Develop an efficient response mechanism to disaster
management and make available the necessary
Disaster risk reduction is associated with the Office of resources
the Vice President and the Banjul City Council.
t Development of institutional frameworks and
Although the City Council has a Disaster Management
Committee, similar structures for the wards are yet
2222
structures capable of preventing, preparing for and
responding to disasters at regional and local levels AGREED PRIORITIES
t There is need for increased transparency in law
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY- enforcement
BUILDING t Widen and intensify police patrols in the
Lack of an effective waste management, treatment and communities, as well as reintroducing
disposal system community policing
2323
GOVERNANCE
Amendments of the Local Lack of motivated staff. Training facilities on urban Over dependency on the
Government Act. safety and urban disaster. river Gambia for water
Poor partnership between supply.
Availability of human NGOs and CSOs.
resources. High population growth.
Lack of awareness about
Availability of NGOs and the existing Urban Safety
CSOs. and Urban Disaster Risk
Policies and Acts.
Current projects in place to
improve the road network. Poor monitoring and
evaluation and unplanned
projects.
Affordability of electricity Poor drainage system. Easy movements of goods Busting of water pipes
and water. and services. during floods due to a poor
drainage system in place.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GOVERNANCE
24
24
Project proposal Project proposal
GOVERNANCE Capacity-building for city councillors GOVERNANCE Awareness and sensitization on
N°1 / Ward Development Committees on N°2 government reform policies and
their roles and responsibilities programmes
OBJECTIVE: To build the capacities of the councillors OUTPUT: Emplace a more transparent and efficient
and Ward Development Committee members so they system of administration.
can be effective in the development of the communities PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project has to
they represent. be implemented in a series of stages.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Conduct training on the roles EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Training
and responsibilities of ward councillors and Ward stationery and other logistics. (2) Hiring of training
Development Committees. (2) Institutional halls
strengthening of Ward Development Committees.
OUTPUTS: To put in place well organized and highly
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GOVERNANCE
trained structures within the wards.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
be implemented in one go and training conducted at
ward level.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: Training
stationery and other logistics.
2525
Project proposal
GOVERNANCE
N°3 Construction of resource centres for
skills and income generation
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 6 - 9 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Ministry of Finance, Banjul
City Council, Department of Physical Planning and
Housing, National Environmental Agency, Department
of Community Development, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 900,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is divided into three
constituencies which are further divided into nine
wards. Under normal circumstances, all nine wards
should have been provided with a resource centre for
skills and income generation. Unfortunately, only Banjul
North has this facility. This centre was constructed
through the support of the City Council and the Social
Development Fund. Groups of women were trained
and a committee was set-up to run the centre but not
much has been achieved. The centre lacks facilities, a
proper maintenance policy and skilled managers.
OBJECTIVE: To provided a resource centre for skills
and income generation activities in each ward of the
City of Banjul.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Land reclamation. (2) Mobilization
of resources for the construction of the resource centre.
(3) Provision of training equipment and capital.
OUTPUT: (1) To put in place properly equipped and
trained personnel who would help in restructuring the
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GOVERNANCE
26
26
SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
Existence of the Ministry Non involvement of the area Access to micro-credit for Inadequate capacity by
of Local Government and council in land allocation. women groups to enable the city council to enable
Lands. them to start up businesses. implementation of policies
Inadequate staff and man- and projects.
Existence of a Department power. Construction of pro-poor
of Physical Planning. housing schemes. Poor service delivery.
Inadequate training of staff.
Government Policies in Training and capacity Poor housing facilities.
place. Non-payment of rates by building for city council staff
land owners. has been made available by Slow development of
Availability of a master plan the Government. housing reforms.
for the city. Low wages of staff.
Minimal sensitization on
land usage.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Government Policies and An outdated land master Build capacities of the city
Acts are in place. plan. council to implement the
Land Act and sensitize
Construction of pro-poor Low level of awareness on communities on the Land
housing schemes. the Land Act. Act.
Availability of a master plan
for the city.
2727
SLUMS, Project proposal SLUMS, Project proposal
SHELTER AND SHELTER AND
LAND LAND Decentralization of land acquisition
Upgrading of access roads
N°1 N°2 system
there is a need to improve the city’s road, drainage and empower the city council to allocate/distribute land in
sewage infrastructure. Banjul.
OBJECTIVES: (1) Improve the road network. (2) OUTPUT: The project is expected to put in place a well
Improve the drainage and sewage system in the city. defined and transparent land acquisition system.
ACTIVITIES: To rehabilitate and reconstruct all roads PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will
in the city of Banjul that are not in good condition. be implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - Review of
the existing Policies/Acts on land acquisition. Phase 2 -
OUTPUT: The project is expected to improve the living Sensitization of all stakeholders. Phase 3 - Formulation
conditions of all its inhabitants. of new Policies/Acts.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: Base maps.
could be implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - re-
construction of roads in Banjul North. Phase 2 - re-
construction of roads in Banjul Central. Phase 3 - re-
construction of roads in Banjul South.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Sand. (2)
Cement. (3) Basalt. (4) Steel. (5) Labour.
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SLUMS, Project proposal
SHELTER AND
LAND Reclamation of swamps and
N°3 mangroves area
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of
Local Government and Lands, Banjul City Council,
Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, National
Environmental Agency, Department of Parks and
Wildlife, Department of Lands and Surveys, Ministry
of Agriculture, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 800,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city of the
Gambia and is located on St Mary’s island which is
situated at the mouth of the River Gambia. The city
has an area of 12.23 square kilometres consisting of 4.2
square kilometres of dry land and 8 square kilometres of
wetland. Because of the shortage of dry land, there is a
record number of households migrating out of Banjul
into the peri-urban areas (Kanifing and Brikama). There
is need for the government to reclaim some parts of the
wetland for future expansion. The government should
also put measures to control massive encroachments
taking place in the wetlands.
OBJECTIVES: (1) To plan for future expansion of the
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GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
City wide gender and HIV/ High rates of poverty. Gender mainstreaming is High rates of drug abuse
AIDS sensitization and currently being carried out in which contribute to the
awareness. Lack of skills mostly among government offices. increase in HIV/AIDS.
women to enable them to
Increase in access to start their own businesses. Presence of strong political High cases of gender based
education. will to improve women’s violence especially against
Gender imbalance in position in society e.g. their women have been reported.
Presence of National AIDS administration. is a National Women’s Policy
Secretariat and donor support and Act in place. Illicit activities such as
for gender and HIV/AIDS prostitution are a major
awareness. challenge in the fight against
HIV/AIDS.
The presence of the
Department of Community Most people hold negative
Development that promotes attitudes towards people
gender equality and women’s living with HIV/AIDS.
participation in all sectors of
the economy.
Convention on the
elimination of all forms
of discrimination against
women.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Increased women’s Gender imbalance in The existence of National Rising cases of HIV/AIDS due
participation in the formation administration. AIDS Secretariat. to drug abuse, prostitution
of the National Women’s and increased sexual violence
Policy and Act. Presence of strong political against women.
will to improve women’s
Convention on the position in society e.g. their Most people hold negative
elimination of all forms is a National Women’s Policy attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
Human resources available Inadequate resource President’s Trust Fund and Inappropriate management
to carry out sensitization and mobilization skills. Banjul City Council Trust Fund and embezzlement of
awareness campaigns among to assist in the awareness funds meant for carrying
the people. Inadequate financial campaigns. out gender and HIV/AIDS
management skills. sensitization and awareness.
Effective Ward Development
Committees to help with
creation of gender and HIV/
AIDS awareness.
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Project proposal Project proposal
GENDER AND GENDER AND
HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Creation of income generating
N°1 Micro-credit lending with low interest N°2 activities
BACKGROUND: Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia, ESTIMATED COST: USD 15,000,000.
is located on St. Mary’s island which is situated at the BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city of the
mouth of the River Gambia. Banjul has a population Gambia and is located on St. Mary’s island which is
of about 34,828 inhabitants (2003 census) and most situated at the mouth of the River Gambia. Banjul
women are illiterate due to limited advancement of has a population of about 34,828 inhabitants (2003
women in education. The governments of the Gambia
and development partners have intensified their efforts census). The City of Banjul is a cosmopolitan city and
to increase both formal and informal education for every day more than 300,000 people enter the city
girls and women by introducing free education for by road or by sea to carry out business transactions.
girls. The PAGEP Project is a clear manifestation of The main economic activity taking place in Banjul is
this commitment. In this project, the president of the fishing which remains widely dominated by foreigners.
republic of The Gambia pays school fees for over 35,000 The island is partly surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean,
girls. The city council also plays a role in helping the girl mangroves and wetlands, and as a result the soil is very
child by assisting mothers to set up businesses in order to salty and acidic making its unfavourable for farming.
pay for their children’s school fees. The main challenges A large percentage of the population earns an income
facing women entrepreneurs in Banjul is access to credit from informal sector activities.
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Project proposal
GENDER AND
HIV/AIDS
N°3 Market outlets
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 24 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Ministry of Finance, Banjul
City Council, Department of Physical Planning, Local
Consultants, Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry
of Interior.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 20,000,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city and
administrative seat of Government and is the centre of
business activities in the country. Banjul is also where the
main port in The Gambia is situated. Some of the economic
activities in Banjul are banking, fishing and import and
export trade. The main market in Banjul hosts all types of
businesses and is the trading hub of the country, providing
goods and services to most parts of the country. The other
market is the Lasso Wharf Market which is also a major
trading hub. The Gambian government has a policy in
place on free market economy as part of the Vision 2020
goal of a private sector led economy. But for the above to
be achieved, there must be some form of protectionism to
allow the local industries to grow.
OBJECTIVE: To provide more market outlets for
entrepreneurs to market their goods and services.
ACTIVITIES: (1) To complete the construction of the
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
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ENVIRONMENT
Presence of Banjul City Limited staff to assist Monthly cleaning exercises Indiscriminate dumping of
Council cleaning services. with implementation of with support from the waste.
environment policies. community.
Presence of the National Lack of awareness on
Environmental Agency. Poor drainage and sewage the importance of good
systems. environmental practices.
Dilapidated roads.
Indiscriminate dumping.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Resources available to fund Limited technical capacity Availability of donor Poor resource management.
environmental projects. to implement and manage funds for environmental
environmental projects. awareness activities. Poor attitude on
environmental conservation.
Inadequate training on Increasing environmental
environmental issues. advocacy groups.
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Project proposal OUTPUTS: The project is expected to provide a proper
and functioning drainage system in the city of Banjul
ENVIRONMENT and to improve environmental sanitation.
N°1 Construction of drainage system
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will be
implemented in four phases; Phase 1 - Reconstruction
of inner city collector drains and provision of drain
covers, Phase 2 - Construction of boundary walls for
LOCATION: Banjul. all main outlets with covers, Phase 3 - Rehabilitation of
the pumping machine and the dredging of canals, and
DURATION: 24 months. Phase 4 - Paving of roads.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council. EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Pumping
machines. (2) Building materials. (3) Waste management
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local equipment. (4) Paving blocks.
Government, Banjul City Council, Gamworks,
Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Finance,
National Environmental Agency, National Planning
Commission, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 13,000,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul’s drainage system was
constructed in the colonial days. All streets are provided
with one or two side drains which collect storm water
and empty into the main collector drains which are
linked to the stream. There were three pumping
machines that were linked to the system which facilitated
the evacuation of storm water during the rainy season.
Because of lack of good maintenance, these machines
can no longer function effectively and have fallen prone
to vandalism. The structure in which these machines
were housed is in a dilapidated state.
Drains. A large number of the side road drains have
collapsed. Other factors that affect the drains are the
lack of paved roads and drain covers. As a result people
sometimes dump solid waste into the drains causing
blockages. Furthermore, the dysfunctional pumping
station has caused serious water stagnation and
eventually dried-up the ring drain.
OBJECTIVES: To provide the city of Banjul with a
proper drainage network system that will allow for the
PROJECT PROPOSALS - ENVIRONMENT
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Project proposal Project proposal
ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT
N°2 N°3 Improve the waste management
Rehabilitation of the sewage system
system
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LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Availability of market and Lack of capital. Existence of market outlets. Influx of immigrants into
market outlets. the cities.
Presence of micro-finance
Creation of job institutions. Global economic crisis.
opportunities.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Good economic policies Poor implementation of Existence of regional High tax rate.
to aid local economic economic policies. economic bodies (ECOWAS/
development are in place. AGOA). High cost of setting up a
business.
Lack of entrepreneurial
skills.
Existence of micro-finance Poor business management Presence of micro-finance High rate of taxation.
institutions. skills among local institutions.
entrepreneurs.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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LOCAL Project proposal LOCAL Project proposal
ECONOMIC ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Scholarship schemes and centre for DEVELOPMENT Fishing and fish processing
N°1 students N°2
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LOCAL Project proposal
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Marketing and storage facilities
N°3
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BASIC URBAN SERVICES
Public Transport
Human resource base Lack of funds to improve on Availability of market. High operational cost.
available. the provision of basic urban
services. Rapid population growth.
Infrastructure in place.
Public private partnership.
Highly skilled personnel. Inadequate outlets for the sale The introduction of prepaid Untimely payment of bills.
of electricity. meters.
Effective management Exposure of water pipes due
structure. Lack of funds for investment High demand for the service. to erosion thereby causing
and expansion. pipe bursts.
Waste Management
Existence of cleaning services. Inadequate capacity. A Waste Management Unit Development of bio-gas.
has already been set up in the
Existence of anti-littering Shortage of waste city council. Indiscriminate dumping of
bill and monthly cleaning management equipment e.g. waste.
exercises. refuse collection bins and
trucks.
Inadequate public
sensitization, waste
management and disposal.
Existence of sewerage The infrastructure in place is Already existing sewerage Sewage overflows present
infrastructure. dilapidated. infrastructure that only needs a major health hazard to
to be rehabilitated. the people and can result in
Irregular maintenance of disease outbreaks.
sewage pipes which has led to
their degradation.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Existence of the National Road Lack of enforcement of the Lack of enforcement of the
Authority (NRA) through an anti-littering bill. anti-littering bill.
Act of Parliament to help with
the rehabilitation of roads and
public transport.
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Project proposal Project proposal
BASIC URBAN BASIC URBAN
SERVICES Training on development of ward SERVICES Training of council staff on waste
N°1 plan N°2 management
ward is mandated to identify and develop priority data collection exercises, a lot of people commended the
projects which are to be submitted to the council for city council on their efforts in dealing with the waste in
implementation on a yearly basis. Banjul. Major challenges in the collection and disposal
of waste include lack of adequate equipment, lack of a
OBJECTIVE: To build the capacities of the Ward proper landfill site, inadequate capacity, and lack of proper
Development Committees, the ward councillors and planning /programmes.
national assembly members to be able to identify and OBJECTIVE: To improve on the efficiency of the Waste
develop a good and comprehensive development plan Management Unit.
and monitor and evaluate projects.
ACTIVITIES: To conduct staff training on proper waste
ACTIVITIES: To sensitize and train all councillors / management strategies, upgrading of the land fill site and
Ward Development Committees members on their provision of equipment.
roles and responsibilities in the communities.
OUTPUTS: A highly trained and effective Waste
OUTPUT: To put in place highly equipped and trained Management Unit in place in the city council.
Ward Development Committees in the City of Banjul.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Hall / be implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - Training of
resource centre. (2) Stationery. (3) Monitoring and manager and support staff, Phase 2 - Upgrading of landfill
evaluation tools. (4) Logistics. site and Phase 3 - Provision of equipment.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Waste
management equipment. (2) Construction material.
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Project proposal
BASIC URBAN
OUTPUTS: To put in place a highly trained technical
SERVICES Training on project implementation,
unit that will be able to plan for, implement, monitor,
N°3 monitoring and evaluation
and evaluate any development work that takes place
within the city.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will
LOCATION: City of Banjul. be implemented in three Phases; Phase 1 - Training
of Technical Service Unit staff on project planning
DURATION: 6 months. and implementation, Phase 2 - Training in project
monitoring and evaluation and Phase 3 - Provision of
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council. working equipment.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Building
Government, Banjul City Council, Gambia Association materials. (2) Planning tools. (3) Monitoring and
of Local Government Authorities, Gambia Technical evaluation tools.
Training Institute, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 800,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city and
administrative seat of government. It is also the centre
for business activities in Banjul. Banjul is also where
the main port is which serves not only The Gambia but
other part of the region. Some of the economic activities
in Banjul are banking, fishing and import and export.
The main market in Banjul hosts all types of businesses
and attracts traders from all over the country. Since
Banjul is a centre for business and the headquarters for
a lot of trading firms and public and private financial
institutions including the main port, the city must
have good infrastructure and facilities (i.e. good roads,
electricity, drainage system, sewage system, and waste
management system) that would facilitate the economic
activities taking place. In order for the council to be
in a position to provide these services there must be a
very strong Technical Service Unit in place. According
to the council, a Technical Service Unit which monitors
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URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
42
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URBAN SAFETY Project proposal URBAN SAFETY Project proposal
AND URBAN AND URBAN
DISASTER Rehabilitation of the DISASTER Community sensitization
MANAGEMENT electricity system MANAGEMENT on risk reduction
N°1 N°2
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Project proposal OUTPUT: The project is expected to improve and
URBAN SAFETY
provide smooth run-off for storm water during the
AND URBAN rainy season and also prevent formation of stagnant
DISASTER Improve drainage system water which acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
MANAGEMENT for storm water run-off
N°3 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will be
implemented in three phases: Phase 1 - Reconstruction
of inner city collector drains and provision of drain
covers, Phase 2 - Construction of boundary walls for
LOCATION: Banjul. all the main drainage outlets, Phase 3 - Rehabilitation
of the pumping machines and the dredging of canals.
DURATION: 24 months.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Pumping
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council. machines. (2) Building materials. (3) Waste management
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local equipment.
Government, Banjul City Council, Gamworks, Ministry
of Works, Ministry of Finance, National Environmental
Agency, Local Consultants, and Ministry of Economic
Affairs.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 10,000,000.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
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BANJUL URBAN PROFILE
The Banjul Urban Profiling 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. 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. The urban profiling is being implemented in 30 ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) 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.
HS Number: HS/093/11E
ISBN Number (Series): 978-92-1-132023-7
ISBN Number (Volume): 978-92-1-132383-2
48