GAMBIA: BANJUL URBAN

PROFILE

1
 Copyright © United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), 2012
All rights reserved

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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

ISBN Number (Series): 978-92-1-132023-7

ISBN Number (Volume): 978-92-1-132383-2

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Design and Layout: Florence Kuria

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 GAMBIA: BANJUL URBAN
PROFILE

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD 5

BACKGROUND 7

GOVERNANCE 11

SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND 12

GENDER AND HIV/AIDS 14

ENVIRONMENT 16

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 18

BASIC URBAN SERVICES 20

URBAN SAFETY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT 22

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 DISASTER MANAGEMENT 43

3
44
FOREWORD
According to
research published
in UN-Habitat’s1
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
countries 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.
1 UN-Habitat - United Nations Human Settlements Programme
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."
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.
FOREWORD
Dr. Joan Clos
Executive Director, UN-Habitat
5 5
 The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme is one
of the most vibrant projects in The Gambia today and
is involved in poverty alleviation and the fight against
social exclusion. It involves the profiling of urban
conditions in the capital city of Banjul.
By its very nature, the programme 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 Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme 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
aimed at strengthening local communities in sustainable
FOREWORD
development. This has been exemplified by the focus
group discussions 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 programme could
not have been implemented.
As beneficiaries, we appreciate the efforts put into the
conceptualization of the programme and as such we
shall not falter in the realization of its goals for the
betterment of our communities and for the benefit of
our people.
Samba Faal
Mayor of Banjul

66
BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTION
Urban Profiling
Urban profiling of 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. 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 and academics. 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
The 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 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 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 BANJUL
In The Gambia, urban profiling focuses on Banjul,
the Kanifing Municipal Council and Brikama town
in the Western Region. Through desk reviews, focus
group discussions and institutional questionnaires,
the profiling 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 covered in the
profiling effort. In each ward, the session brought
together 20 participants discussing urban poverty
issues. Discussions were guided by a team of moderators
comprised of a facilitator, secretary and an observer.
The purpose of the various data collection mechanisms
was to obtain information on public 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 express 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 the city in 2005. The background includes
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND
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, as
well as urban safety and urban disaster management
- in terms of the institutional set-up, regulatory
framework, resource mobilization, and performance.
(This second section also highlights agreed priorities
and includes a list of identified projects).
3. a Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
7 7
 analysis and an outline of priority project proposals
for each theme. The proposals include beneficiaries,
partners, estimated cost, objectives, activities, and
outputs.
DEMOGRAPHY
According to the Atlas of the 2003 Population and
Housing Census, there were 1,360,681 Gambians in
2003. Reports clearly showed that between the 1993
and 2003 censuses, the national population grew 31
per cent from 1,038,145 to 1,360,681. (Population and
Housing Census, 2003, p.11).
Banjul sits on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the
River Gambia. Because Banjul is an island, its physical
growth tends to be limited. Because of this perceived
limitation, there are a record number of households
migrating out of Banjul into the peri-urban areas of the
Kanifing Municipality and Brikama. With a population
of 35,061 (2003 census), Banjul is considered densely
populated.
The Banjul City Council is the administrative organ of
the city with a mayor as its head. The city is divided into
nine wards each headed by an elected councillor. The
city’s attractiveness to Gambians has been largely due to
the opportunities it offers for education, employment
and modern living. As the capital, it hosts the largest
number of administrative structures and businesses in
the country.
Banjul is a crowded multi-ethnic city burdened by the
rapid inflow of rural migrants seeking a better life.
THE SOCIO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Economy
Banjul is the nation’s capital 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 that hosts all types of
businesses and is the trading hub of the country. Many
goods that are available in this market cannot 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 socioeconomic
problems which include pollution; waste generation and
management; and pressure 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: it will
be submerged with just a one-meter rise in sea level.

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

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

Council

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

Region

Janjangbureh Central River 51,698 55,103 106,799 10,244

Region

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

88
Poverty Level
The proportion of the population with below USD
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
Brikama. The national average is 55.5 per cent (Poverty
Head Count Index, 2009 Projections). The poverty
gap in Banjul is 0.8 per cent compared with Kanifing’s
6.8 per cent and Brikama’s 13.7 per cent. Banjul’s low
rate of poverty could be as a result of job opportunities
and the availability of income generating activities.
The major pressing needs for Banjul are infrastructure
development and environmental management in the
form of good roads, drainage and sewage systems, and
provision of proper housing for the poor.
Transport
The most efficient and most ubiquitous mode of
transport is the motor vehicle. However, commuters to
and from Banjul are served by a poor public transport
system. Taxi services are also available but they are too
expensive for most of the city residents. As a result,
many people within the city prefer to walk to their
destination. A modern, low-cost transport system is
needed in the city.
Challenges
The major challenges facing Banjul are coastal erosion,
the poor state of roads and the lack of a proper drainage
system to protect roads from damage during the rains.
Health Services
The country’s leading hospital is The Royal Victoria
Teaching Hospital in Banjul. It is staffed by highly
qualified medical personnel and provides care for the
critically ill patients in the area. In addition, there are
two minor public health facilities and private clinics
within in the city.
Banjul has lower rates of HIV/AIDS than other parts
of the country, due to a high-level of awareness of the
disease.
The major challenges of the health care sector are the
high migration rates of qualified medical personnel
seeking greater salaries in developed countries, and
a low-capacity to train and retain adequate numbers
of medical personnel. More financial and equipment
support is needed to complete some of the ongoing
upgrades within the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital.
Education and Literacy Rate
The Ministry of Education sits in Banjul. There are
three senior secondary schools in the city and many
upper and lower basic schools. Several nursing schools
and kindergartens are also available.
In 2008, Banjul had the highest school enrolment rate
(108 per cent) when compared with Kanifing (93 per
cent) and Brikama (76 per cent). Banjul also recorded
the highest literacy rates of people aged 15-24, at 75.1
per cent literacy rate; then Kanifing (69.7 per cent)
and Brikama (69 per cent). Despite the high literacy
rate, adult literacy programmes are conducted in Banjul
through the Community Skills Initiative Project funded
by African Development Bank and implemented by the
country’s Department of Basic Education. This gives
education opportunities to the less fortunate.
The major challenges facing schools in Banjul are:
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BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND
9 9
 GOVERNANCE
The Gambia adopted a policy on decentralization of
local government systems in compliance with section
193 and 194 of the Constitution of The Republic
of The Gambia (1997). Current local government
legislation provides for the self-administration of
local governments by elected council. The country’s
democratic local government authorities have now
established a common arrangement for the viability of
decentralization.
In Banjul, there exists a functioning decentralized city
government system headed by a mayor and deputy
mayor, as well as municipal structures composed of Ward
Development Communities headed by councillors. The
municipal authority has the following institutional
arrangement:
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - GOVERNANCE
t
In Banjul there are nine wards.
t
The Ward Development Community is an entry
point for development in each of the wards
t
Ward Development Communities, through
democratically-elected members, select
representatives known as councillors. All plans at the
ward level are presented at the community meetings
for further transmission to the Municipal Council
(local authority) for possible funding.
t
The need for capacity-building for the leadership of
Ward Development Communities is a priority. The
leaders need training in project development and
management and in the understanding of the whole
process of the government reform programme, as
well as on the roles and responsibilities of Ward
Development Community members.
10
10
THE INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
The Banjul City Council. The municipality makes
provisions for the functions, powers and duties of
the local authorities
t
For the implementation of decentralization,
arrangements have been made to establish or
strengthen the Community Development Officers
and Community Development Assistance as
field extension resources to set up a Municipal
Development Fund, a Local Government Pension
Scheme, a Local Government Service Scheme, and
develop the Local Government Communication
Strategy
t
Decentralization from central Government to
municipalities has occurred in education, health,
water resources, roads, planning, and monitoring
and evaluation
t
There are Ward Development Communities,
women groups and sports committees.
Development Communities in each ward are
democratically elected through general meetings.
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
t
The elected councillor of each ward serves as the
chairperson of the Development Committee in
accordance with the constitution and the Local
Government Act 2002
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
t
The City of Banjul, through an Act of Parliament,
has a well-articulated decentralization programme.
It also has a city development strategy to ensure
appropriate actions are carried out towards achieving
the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty
Reduction Strategy Paper
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
by the chief executive officer of the Municipal
Council. This is an indication of the central
Government’s commitment to implement a good
governance strategy at all levels in The Gambia
t
The Technical Advisory Committee has a role in
coordinating municipality programmes respective
of different sectors and endorsing programme
implementation, resource allocation and monitoring
t
At the community level, there is the formation of
Development Committees composed of councillors,
Ward Development Communities, women groups,
the youth and elderly representatives who coordinate
the development of the community
CHALLENGES
t
A number of wards indicated they lack information
on published statements on citizen’s rights. This has
resulted in poor performance and accountability
t
Presently, most of these institutions are dormant
and lack capacity to organize meetings and mobilize
resources
AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Training on institutional capacity-building: for
example of Ward Development Communities
on their roles and responsibilities as part of the
sensitization
t
Enhance sustainability through the construction
of a resource centre for all skills and income
generating activities
t
The proposed mechanism for effective
collection of revenue is to improve supervision,
eliminate all forms of corruption, and to improve
the collection system

t
There is need for the municipal authority to

sensitize its communities and wards on policy-
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY- related issues and reform programmes; for
BUILDING example on local government Acts and other
t
Through the Gambia Priority Employment publicized statements on the citizen’s rights of
Programme agency (or Gamworks) in The Gambia access to basic services
(December 2008), some capacity-building efforts
were conducted aimed at improving good governance
and accountability. This was intended to improve
the management of budgeting, procurement and
financial accounting of the local governments as
well as to promote a participatory approach to

BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - GOVERNANCE

development at local government levels
Project proposal Page 25
t
Revenue collection is the main source of income for GOVERNANCE
Design a mechanism for public
the City Council. It collects fees daily from markets, N°1
participation
car parks, business licences and rates
t
The city wards need training and capacity-building
in project planning and implementation and on Project proposal Page 25
the process of decentralization and the government Design a framework to improve
reform programme GOVERNANCE links between the Malaita Provincial
t
The City Council plays a crucial role in complementing N°2 Authority departments, the Ministry
government’s efforts in terms of education scholarships, of Lands, Housing and Survey and
road maintenance, decentralized planning, fiscal NGOs
decentralization, as well as monitoring and evaluation,
with support of partners
Project proposal Page 26
GOVERNANCE
t
Need for training to increase sense of awareness Construction of resource centres for
N°3
among community leaders/members on reform and skills and income generation
policy programmes.

1111
 SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
Although there are no huge slums in Banjul, there are
several informal settlements that lack access to basic
urban services. Amenities like schools, health and skill
centres, and infrastructure - for example drainage,
sewerage, electricity and piped water - are a major
requirement in the “slums”.
LAND
Land in Banjul is acquired through purchase and
inheritance and is expensive. It has been suggested that
wetlands (such as swamps and mangrove) be reclaimed
and that old buildings be renovated and converted
into flats (apartments) so the poor can access land and
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
housing.
LAND ADMINISTRATION
Different organizations keep separate land registration
records. The municipal authorities keep records but
without maps; the Department of Physical Planning,
Housing, Lands and Surveys relies only on maps.
The land registration by the municipal authorities is
about 90 per cent while for the Department of Physical
Planning, Lands and Survey it is 50 per cent.
The plans need to be updated but land records are
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
transfer and an average of GMD 40,000 as capital gains
tax. The objectives of the land registration process are
therefore difficult to meet, because many people decline
to register their plots due to the high cost.
The difficulties of the current land administration
are numerous; e.g. the master plans are outdated and
people are not well sensitized with regard to land
12
12
registration and acquisition. Land encroachment has
become uncontrollable, even though there is the State
Lands Act.
LAND USE AND PHYSICAL PLANNING
Planning
Physical Development Plans were introduced to
ease land administration. The maps are zoned for
different uses; for example residential, commercial and
agricultural. The maps are outdated because the last
revisions were in 1989, even though they should be
updated every five years.
Human resource development
One of the major tasks that remain unaccomplished
due to lack of skills and knowledge is the upgrading
of the master plans and standards. These tasks could
not be done because the office responsible, the
Department of Physical Planning and Housing, is
seriously understaffed. The Department of Lands and
Survey also faces staffing problems. If all the vacancies
are filled, and adequate training provided, all the land
related duties and responsibilities would be significantly
addressed. Because the Government cannot do
everything, technical assistance may be required to help
bridge the capacity gaps.
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
The Physical Planning and Development Control
Unit falls under the municipality. The Unit 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 FRAMEWORK
t
Land use plans exist and promote equal access to
land by women and men
t
Municipal authorities do not allocate land, thus
they do not have land use policies
t
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
t
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
t
All the organizations agree they have lots of capacity
gaps at 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 non-governmental organizations should
complement Government’s efforts
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY-
BUILDING
t
Very little service is given to slum dwellers, even
though they pay rates and other taxes to the
municipal authorities
t
The little assistance municipal authorities give come
from rates and taxes they collect from residents
t
No organization is given financial or technical help
to upgrade housing for women-headed households.
Very few credit opportunities are available, because
of lack of collateral. The little credit that is given
goes into economic activities such as farming
AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Upgrading of roads
t
Improvement of drainage and sewerages

t
The only projects municipal authorities undertake
in slum areas are road maintenance and provision of
infrastructure and social amenities. Therefore, there
is a need for slum upgrading projects in Banjul
t
Reclaiming of swampy and mangrove areas
t
Compulsory acquisition of land
t
Review of land policies

t
Rehabilitation of old buildings

CHALLENGES
t
Decentralization of land acquisition system
t
Land is unaffordable to the poor and securing it is

BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND

very difficult. Very few women can afford to buy
land so they depend on their male partners
t
Municipal authorities pay little attention to slum
dwellers. Very little assistance, if any, is given to slum SLUMS, Project proposal Page 28
dwellers to improve their livelihoods. The only help SHELTER
comes in the form of providing food and clothing AND LAND Upgrading of access roads
when disasters occur. No housing survey is carried N°1
out in slum areas, thus little information is obtained
on the activities of slum dwellers

SLUMS, Project proposal Page 28

SECURITY OF TENURE SHELTER
Decentralization of land acquisition
t
When there is eviction, slum dwellers are not AND LAND
system
protected, thus no compensation is usually paid. N°2
Eviction is usually ordered by the courts and
sometimes by the Ministry for Local Government
and Lands
SLUMS, Project proposal Page 29
t
No record is kept of such evictions and notices of SHELTER
eviction are served before eviction. Illegal settlements Reclamation of swamps and mangroves
AND LAND
are usually allocated by traditional landowners who areas
N°3
cannot obtain documents for the said land

13
13
 GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
GENDER AND POVERTY
Poverty is a major challenge in Banjul. 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 in Gambia.
The majority of the women are also illiterate and have
limited access to, and control of economic resources in
Banjul. They do not normally own land or other forms
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
of collateral that would enable them to apply for bank
loans. The only loans for women are normally acquired
through microcredit initiatives, of which the interest
rates are very high. This has been aggravated by lack of
innovation and capacity of such women to start and run
businesses successfully. Thus, economic empowerment
is key for the socioeconomic advancement of women.
In an attempt to reduce poverty rates in the country,
the second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper builds
on the long-term development objectives for attaining
the Millennium Development Goals, and the country’s
Vision 2020. The strategy also mainstreams gender as
one of the cross-cutting issues in alleviating poverty.
GENDER AND EDUCATION
The majority of women are illiterate due to factors such
as poverty, early marriage and teenage pregnancy. This
has resulted in their limited advancement in education
and professionally. The Government of The Gambia
and development partners have intensified their efforts
1414
to increase formal and informal education for girls
and women. The city council also plays a greater role
in helping the girl child by assisting mothers to set up
businesses that would enable them to educate their
children. The city council also gives scholarships to the
poor. According to the 2003 census, the literacy rate
of females aged b etween 15 and 24 years was 75.1 per
cent for Banjul, 70.6 per cent for Kanifing and 69.9 per
cent for Brikama.
GENDER AND HEALTH
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 WOMEN
The ineffective implementation of international
women’s rights conventions and laws has left women
unable to protect themselves from domestic and sexual
violence. The Government and development partners
have attempted to deal with this issue; for example,
the courts impose lifetime imprisonment sentence for
rapists. Rape is the most common crime committed
against young girls and women. Due to the culture
of silence and shame towards rape, many cases go
unreported. Cases of domestic violence are also a major
concern.
WOMEN AND THE ECONOMY
Most women in Banjul are engaged in petty trading
but access to microcredit is their main challenge. The
absence of entrepreneurial and innovative livelihood
skills also hinders women’s economic development.
t
Partnerships have been built with key stakeholders
(public, private sectors and non-governmental
organizations as well as civil society) to respond to
the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

WOMEN AND GOVERNANCE AGREED PRIORITIES

Because 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.
With four of six of its councillors being women, Banjul
faired better in this gender representation than the rest
of the country. (MDG 2009 Status Report)
t
Construction of skills training centres
t
Creation of market outlets
t
Increased income-generating activities for women
t
Provision of credit facilities with low interest rates
to women entrepreneurs

t
Introduction of adult literacy classes for illiterate

WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT women

It is mostly women who are involved caring for the
environment. The lack of solid environment policies
and regulations; indiscriminate dumping of waste;
rapid urbanization; and pollution are just some of the
major factors leading to environmental degradation.
Because women are largely responsible for the
household management, they need to be sensitized on
the necessity of proper waste disposal.
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
A Women’s Bureau was established, as an implementation
arm of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, through
regional structures empowering women and enhancing
t
Provision of counselling services and security
measures for women who are victims of domestic
and sexual violence
t
Encouraging the participation of women in
politics
t
A 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

BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS

their capacities.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY-

Project proposal Page 31
BUILDING GENDER AND
t
There is significant donor support through HIV/AIDS
N°1 Micro-credit lending with low interest
sector intervention and non-governmental
organizations in line with the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper implementation (2007 - 2011) plans
and programmes.
Project proposal Page 31
t
A significant number of civil society and non- GENDER AND
governmental organizations are involved in the HIV/AIDS Creation of income generating
development of the city. They provide resources and N°2 activities
assist in implementing relevant activities.

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
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
The National Environmental Agency is the lead
institution in disseminating information on
environmental issues, in addition to the media. Specific
groups trained on environmental management also
conduct sensitization. Sensitization is conducted
through community gatherings, radio and television.
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - ENVIRONMENT
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
There are few bodies such as municipal authorities,
non-governmental organizations like Action Aid, and
the National Environmental Agency which assist in
waste management and sanitation. They collaborate
through the National Disaster Management
Committee, a coordinating body, whose activities
are usually broadcast on radio and television
t
The National Environmental Agency proposes to
the city council to form environment committees
responsible for environmental awareness issues,
waste management and public cleaning efforts, held
at the end or each month, known locally as “Set-
Setal”
1616
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
t
Environmental policies are well known by
communities. However, their implementation is
slow due to lack of proper and regular monitoring
of the implementation process by the National
Environmental Agency, and to the lack of strict law
enforcement
t
The Environment Impact Assessment regulation and
guidelines aim to integrate environmental
concerns into all development planning and
construction of infrastructure such as roads, drainage
and sewage systems
t
The municipality hosts a Monitoring and Evaluation
Unit responsible for observing environmental
quality at the regional level. In addition, the Public
Health Act (1990) grants wider powers to public
health inspectors to examine premises; close down
those deemed to be public hazards; enforce food and
hygiene controls; and prevent harmful products
entering the country through the main sea port
t
The Water Division of the Department of Water
Resources and the National Water and Electricity
Company are responsible for monitoring water
quality in Banjul
CHALLENGES
t
Lack of proper management of waste disposal
t
Lack of modern transport for waste disposal
t
Lack of proper sewage system
t
Environmental pollution
t
Poor enforcement of environmental laws on
indiscriminate waste dumping
t
Lack of capacity-building and training on proper
waste management techniques
t
Inadequate materials and equipment for
embarking on monthly cleaning effort
t
Low awareness level and lack of coordination on
environmental issues
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
Councils also conduct similar training in joint
collaboration with the National Environmental
Agency. These trainings sessions are usually funded
by development partners.
AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Provision of cleaning material
t
Provision of parking spaces for vehicles and
removal of those abandoned on the streets
t
Rehabilitation of drainage and sewage system, as
well as the waste management system
t
Regular collection of waste
t
Demolition of old and run-down structures
t
Promotion of wider sensitization campaigns on the
importance of good environmental practices
t
Strengthening environmental management and
institutional capacity-building, supported by
additional measures in terms of finance and
technical aid to implement environmental policies
Project proposal Page 34
ENVIRONMENT
N°1 Construction of drainage system
Project proposal Page 35
ENVIRONMENT
N°2 Rehabilitation of the sewage system
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - ENVIRONMENT
Project proposal Page 35
ENVIRONMENT
N°3 Improve the waste management
system
1717
 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Although many Banjul residents are employed in the
formal sector, informal activities such as petty trading,
tie and dye, and soapmaking 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. Albert
Market is the capital’s largest market and is a hive of
activity, offering a large selection of local and imported
goods.
The sea port generates much 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 the Gambia Priority Employment
Programme and the National Enterprise Development
Initiative are engaged in employment creation, targeting
women and youth.
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
The Social Development Fund, financed by
the African Development Bank, also supports
entrepreneurship and microfinance activities
1818
including skill development and capacity-building
programmes, through the Community Skill
Initiative Project located in Banjul. This project is
also funded by the African Development Bank and
assists women and other vulnerable groups in Banjul
to acquire skills and start up businesses
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
t
Flexible macroeconomic policy regime to facilitate
access to credit for productive investments and
employment creation
t
The Government plays a key role in creating a
more enabling environment for the private sector
to thrive. This begins with the adoption of policies,
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 at all levels
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY-
BUILDING
t
Donor support through sector interventions, the
private sector, and non-governmental organizations
 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

BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

plan owing to the weak agency staffing, in terms of t
Creation of market outlets and storage facilities
quality and quantity
t
Lack of enough funding for the City Council is a
concern, as without enough resources it could not
execute its development strategies
LOCAL Project proposal Page 37
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Scholarship schemes and centre for
N°1 students

LOCAL Project proposal Page 37

ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Fishing and fish processing
N°2

LOCAL Project proposal Page 38

ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Marketing and storage facilities
N°3

1919
 BASIC URBAN SERVICES

Some of the key issues facing the city include:
t
The lack of a proper sewerage connection
t
Continuous raw sewage blockages
t
A dilapidated road network
BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES
t
Capacity-building support received for training of
councillors for better service delivery by donors, such
as the Department of Community Development
CHALLENGES

t
An inadequate and unreliable transport network
t
Poor and blocked drainage systems
t
Inefficient waste collection and management system
The population of Banjul has quadrupled since
independence. Therefore, the provision of social
utilities, housing and recreational grounds needs to be
improved and expanded.
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.
t
Tax evasion by business owners resulting in shortage
of revenue in the City Councils
t
Corruption by City Council officials which
negatively affects the provision of basic urban
services
t
Inadequate technical and human resource capacity
to deal with the challenge of improving basic urban
service delivery in the city
t
The City Council’s primary role is the management
of the provision of basic urban services

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

BANJUL URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

2121
 URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
AUKI URBAN PROFILE - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
URBAN SAFETY
The focus group discussion held in the wards reveal
that a large number of people are unaware of any
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
during disasters is done at community-level using
community volunteers.
The main safety and security issues include:
t
High occurrence of crimes such as burglary, mugging
and pickpocketing
t
Poor street lighting in the town and residential areas
t
Increase in drug abuse among the youth
The main underlying causes of safety and security issues
are:
t
High levels of poverty and unemployment
t
Increase in drug use and drug addiction among the
youth
URBAN DISASTER RISK
Disaster risk reduction is associated with the Office of
the Vice President and the Banjul City Council.
Although the City Council has a Disaster Management
Committee, similar structures for the wards are yet
2222
to be set up. The main disaster risks in the wards are
fire outbreaks, water shortages, seasonal floods, ferry
disasters, automobile accidents and falling exposed
overhead electrical cables.
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
Presence of the National Police Headquarters. Its
key role is the maintenance of internal security,
dependance and creating safety measures.
t
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
t
The National Intelligence Agency responsible for
protecting state security, collecting intelligence, and
conducting covert investigations reports directly to
the President and is located in Banjul
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
t
Develop an efficient response mechanism to disaster
management and make available the necessary
resources
t
Development of institutional frameworks and
 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

t
Job creation by the government

CHALLENGES
t
Develop the skills of the youth to enable them to
t
Inadequate community policing start up businesses and to be self-sufficient
t
Limited number of working fire hydrants in the t
Improve the drainage system for storm runoffs
wards to respond to fire outbreaks
t
Improvement of the sewage system
t
Shortage of ambulances
t
Insulation of overhead electrical cables
t
No urban public safety policy
t
Sensitization of the community on how to react
t
Lack of income generation activities and or

AUKI URBAN PROFILE - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

in case of fire outbreaks
employment
t
Poor environmental management t
Lack of an effective waste management, treatment
and disposal system

URBAN SAFETY Project proposal Page 43

AND URBAN
DISASTER Rehabilitation of the
MANAGEMENT electricity system
N°1

URBAN SAFETY Project proposal Page 43

AND URBAN
DISASTER Community sensitization
MANAGEMENT on risk reduction
N°1

URBAN SAFETY Project proposal Page 44

AND URBAN
DISASTER Improve drainage system
MANAGEMENT for storm water run-off
N°1

2323
 GOVERNANCE
STRENGTHS
Amendments of the Local
Government Act.
Availability of human
resources.
Availability of NGOs and
CSOs.
Current projects in place to
improve the road network.
Existence of the Technical
Advisory Committee
taskforce
Affordability of electricity
and water.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GOVERNANCE
24
24
WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
GOVERNANCE AND DECENTRALIZATION
Lack of motivated staff. Training facilities on urban Over dependency on the
safety and urban disaster. river Gambia for water
Poor partnership between supply.
NGOs and CSOs.
High population growth.
Lack of awareness about
the existing Urban Safety
and Urban Disaster Risk
Policies and Acts.
Poor monitoring and
evaluation and unplanned
projects.
PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Inadequate mechanisms Availability of capable staff
for programme monitoring to monitor programmes
and evaluation
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Poor drainage system. Easy movements of goods Busting of water pipes
and services. during floods due to a poor
drainage system in place.
 Project proposal
GOVERNANCE Capacity-building for city councillors
N°1 / Ward Development Committees on
their roles and responsibilities
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 9 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Banjul City Council, Gambia
Association of Local Government Authorities, Ministry
of Finance, and local consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 500,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is divided into three
constituencies which are further divided into nine
wards. All three constituencies have a national assembly
member who represents them at the National Assembly.
All the nine wards also have a councillor each who
represents the ward at the City Council. Each ward
has a Development Committee chaired by a councillor.
The role of the National Assembly members, the ward
councillors and the Ward Development Committees are
vital to the advancement of the city, as their functions
are interlinked. Their key functions include needs
assessment training, project identification, planning,
development, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
OBJECTIVE: To build the capacities of the councillors
and Ward Development Committee members so they
can be effective in the development of the communities
they represent.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Conduct training on the roles
and responsibilities of ward councillors and Ward
Development Committees. (2) Institutional
strengthening of Ward Development Committees.
OUTPUTS: To put in place well organized and highly
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.
Project proposal
GOVERNANCE Awareness and sensitization on
N°2 government reform policies and
programmes
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 3 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Ministry of Information,
media practitioners, and local consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 200,000.
BACKGROUND: For the decentralization process to
be achieved there is an urgent need for capacity-building
within local communities and to raise awareness of
their roles and responsibilities. The Local Government
Act and policy documents that deal exclusively with
decentralization are essential to the attainment of a fully
decentralized government.
OBJECTIVE: Train the local communities to be aware
of their roles and responsibilities in the achievement of
the decentralization process.
ACTIVITIES: Conduct training programmes in all the
wards so as to achieve the above objective.
OUTPUT: Emplace a more transparent and efficient
system of administration.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project has to
be implemented in a series of stages.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Training
stationery and other logistics. (2) Hiring of training
halls
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GOVERNANCE
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

existing resource centre. (2) To put in place proper

monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will
be implemented in three phases:(1) Land reclamation
and resource mobilization.(2) Construction of resource
centres for skills and income generation. (3) Training,
monitoring and evaluation.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Building
materials. (2) Land. (3) Skill training equipment and
learning facilities. (4) Monitoring and evaluation tools.

26
26
SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
STRENGTHS
Existence of the Ministry
of Local Government and
Lands.
Existence of a Department
of Physical Planning.
Government Policies in
place.
Availability of a master plan
for the city.
Government Policies and
Acts are in place.
Construction of pro-poor
housing schemes.
Availability of a master plan
for the city.
Presence of a city council
standing committee.
Availability of a donor pool
fund.
Resource mobilization by
the city council.
Presence of national security
agents.
WEAKNESSES
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Non involvement of the area
council in land allocation.
Inadequate staff and man-
power.
Inadequate training of staff.
Non-payment of rates by
land owners.
Low wages of staff.
Minimal sensitization on
land usage.
Complex land acquisition
processes.
Shortage of land for slum
upgrading.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
An outdated land master
plan.
Low level of awareness on
the Land Act.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Limited technical and
human resources.
Limited capacity of the city
council.
OPPORTUNITIES
Access to micro-credit for
women groups to enable
them to start up businesses.
Construction of pro-poor
housing schemes.
Training and capacity
building for city council staff
has been made available by
the Government.
Build capacities of the city
council to implement the
Land Act and sensitize
communities on the Land
Act.
Training and capacity
building for city council staff
has been made available by
the Government.
THREATS
Inadequate capacity by
the city council to enable
implementation of policies
and projects.
Poor service delivery.
Poor housing facilities.
Slow development of
housing reforms.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
Diversion of funds.
Bribery and corruption.
Poor resource management
skills.
2727
 SLUMS, Project proposal
SHELTER AND
LAND
Upgrading of access roads
N°1
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 24 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Banjul City Council, Gambia
Association of Local Government Authorities, Ministry
of Works, Construction and Infrastructure, Ministry
of Finance, local consultants, Department of Physical
Planning and Housing, and the Gambia Priority
Employment Programme (Gamworks).
ESTIMATED COST: USD 30,000,000.
BACKGROUND: In early 2001 and 2002, a study
was conducted by a consulting firm (Planning and
Development Collaborative International, Inc.) under
the Poverty Alleviation and Capacity Building Project
to look into the municipal data base of all councils in
The Gambia. This report revealed that almost three-
quarters of roads in Banjul were unpaved. Most of these
roads were excavated during the laying of sewage pipes,
telecommunication cables and water connections. Since
then very little road rehabilitation work has been done.
Heavy rain and the continuous overflow of sewage
water that settles along the road, coupled with heavy
traffic, has led to the dilapidation of roads. Therefore,
PROJECT PROPOSALS - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND
there is a need to improve the city’s road, drainage and
sewage infrastructure.
OBJECTIVES: (1) Improve the road network. (2)
Improve the drainage and sewage system in the city.
ACTIVITIES: To rehabilitate and reconstruct all roads
in the city of Banjul that are not in good condition.
OUTPUT: The project is expected to improve the living
conditions of all its inhabitants.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project
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.
28
28
SLUMS, Project proposal
SHELTER AND
LAND Decentralization of land acquisition
N°2 system
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 6 months.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Banjul City Council, Gambia
Association of Local Government Authorities, Ministry
of Finance, Local Consultants, Department of Physical
Planning and Housing, Public Utilities Regulatory
Authority, and National Water and Electricity Company.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 300,000.
BACKGROUND: Land in the city of Banjul is owned
and administered by the central government through
the Department of Lands and Surveys who keep records
of all land registrations, transfers, leases, and master
plans. It is also the central government that decides
and allocates land in the city and gives approval for
land development. Under normal circumstances, the
city council should be in charge when it comes to land
allocation and development in the city of Banjul.
OBJECTIVES: To create transparency in the land
acquisition system and to properly define the roles and
responsibilities of the city council in the allocation of
land.
ACTIVITIES: To formulate Policies/Acts that will
empower the city council to allocate/distribute land in
Banjul.
OUTPUT: The project is expected to put in place a well
defined and transparent land acquisition system.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will
be implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - Review of
the existing Policies/Acts on land acquisition. Phase 2 -
Sensitization of all stakeholders. Phase 3 - Formulation
of new Policies/Acts.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: Base maps.
 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

PROJECT PROPOSALS - SLUMS, SHELTER AND LAND

city. (2) To protect the mangroves and swamps from
human interference which negatively affects the areas
ecosystem.
ACTIVITIES: To map out/demarcate the wet lands
that need to be reclaimed.
OUTPUT: (1) Land set aside for the expansion of the
city. (2) Wet lands reclaimed.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
be implemented in two phases; Phase 1 - Mapping/
demarcation of wetlands. Phase 2 - Reclamation.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Base maps.
(2) Suitable fencing material. (3) Building materials.

2929
 GENDER AND HIV/AIDS

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP

City wide gender and HIV/
AIDS sensitization and
awareness.
Increase in access to
education.
Presence of National AIDS
Secretariat and donor support
for gender and HIV/AIDS
awareness.
The presence of the
Department of Community
Development that promotes
gender equality and women’s
participation in all sectors of
the economy.
High rates of poverty.
Lack of skills mostly among
women to enable them to
start their own businesses.
Gender imbalance in
administration.
Gender mainstreaming is
currently being carried out in
government offices.
Presence of strong political
will to improve women’s
position in society e.g. their
is a National Women’s Policy
and Act in place.
High rates of drug abuse
which contribute to the
increase in HIV/AIDS.
High cases of gender based
violence especially against
women have been reported.
Illicit activities such as
prostitution are a major
challenge in the fight against
HIV/AIDS.
Most people hold negative
attitudes towards people
living with HIV/AIDS.

The formation of the National

Women’s Policy and Act
to improve the position of
women in society.

Convention on the
elimination of all forms
of discrimination against
women.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Increased women’s
participation in the formation
of the National Women’s
Policy and Act.
Convention on the
elimination of all forms
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
Gender imbalance in
administration.
The existence of National
AIDS Secretariat.
Presence of strong political
will to improve women’s
position in society e.g. their
is a National Women’s Policy
Rising cases of HIV/AIDS due
to drug abuse, prostitution
and increased sexual violence
against women.
Most people hold negative
attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.

of discrimination against and Act in Place.

women.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

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.

Availability of donor funds to

support gender and HIV/AIDS
sensitization and awareness
campaigns.

30
30
 Project proposal
GENDER AND
HIV/AIDS
N°1 Micro-credit lending with low interest
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 6 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of
Local Government and Lands, Banjul City Council,
Department of Community Development, National
AIDS Secretariat, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Social Welfare and Women Affairs, NGOs, and Local
Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 10,000,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia,
is located on St. Mary’s island which is situated at the
mouth of the River Gambia. Banjul has a population
of about 34,828 inhabitants (2003 census) and most
women are illiterate due to limited advancement of
women in education. The governments of the Gambia
and development partners have intensified their efforts
to increase both formal and informal education for
girls and women by introducing free education for
girls. The PAGEP Project is a clear manifestation of
this commitment. In this project, the president of the
republic of The Gambia pays school fees for over 35,000
girls. The city council also plays a role in helping the girl
child by assisting mothers to set up businesses in order to
pay for their children’s school fees. The main challenges
facing women entrepreneurs in Banjul is access to credit
facilities to enable them to grow and expand and the lack
of entrepreneurial and managerial skills.
OBJECTIVES: To increase the earning capacity of
women entrepreneurs especially those that are engaged in
informal business activities.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Skills training for women
entrepreneurs. (2) Setting up micro-finance institutions
that will provide low interest loans to women
entrepreneurs. (3) Encouraging existing banks and
micro-finance institutions to lower their interest rates for
women entrepreneurs.
OUTPUT: Sustainable micro-finance institutions that
will support women entrepreneurs to set up businesses.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could be
implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - Establishment of
micro credit institutions, Phase 2 - Training of business
women, Phase 3 - Giving of credit and monitoring and
evaluation.
Project proposal
GENDER AND
HIV/AIDS Creation of income generating
N°2 activities
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government, Ministry of Finance, Banjul City
Council, National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS),
Social Development Fund, Local Consultants, Ministry
of Social Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Gamjobs, and
Ministry of Youth and Sports (National Enterprise
Development Initiative Project).
ESTIMATED COST: USD 15,000,000.
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. Banjul
has a population of about 34,828 inhabitants (2003
census). The City of Banjul is a cosmopolitan city and
every day more than 300,000 people enter the city
by road or by sea to carry out business transactions.
The main economic activity taking place in Banjul is
fishing which remains widely dominated by foreigners.
The island is partly surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean,
mangroves and wetlands, and as a result the soil is very
salty and acidic making its unfavourable for farming.
A large percentage of the population earns an income
from informal sector activities.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - GENDER AND HIV/AIDS
OBJECTIVE: (1) To promote the development of
all economic sectors of Banjul. (2) Skills training for
women and youth.
ACTIVITIES: To build the capacities of the local
industry and create low interest credit facilities and
market outlets.
OUTPUTS: (1) A well organized and highly skilled
labour force. (2) Increased employment opportunities.
3131
 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

Lasso Wharf Market (Phase 2). (2) To build the capacities

of the local entrepreneurs.
OUTPUTS: More market outlets constructed leading to
increased business activities in the city.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will be
implemented in four phases; Phase 1 - Completion of the
Lasso Wharfs Market, Phase 2 - Building the capacities of
the local entrepreneurs, Phase 3 - Provision of equipment
and other logistics, Phase 4 - Monitoring and Evaluation.

32
32
ENVIRONMENT
STRENGTHS
Presence of Banjul City
Council cleaning services.
Presence of the National
Environmental Agency.
Anti-littering law in place.
Resources available to fund
environmental projects.
WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
Limited staff to assist Monthly cleaning exercises
with implementation of with support from the
environment policies. community.
Poor drainage and sewage
systems.
City wide road rehabilitation
exercise.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Weak enforcement of Existence of environmental
environment policies. Acts and Policies.
Unawareness of Sensitization on
environmental policies. Environmental policies.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Limited technical capacity Availability of donor
to implement and manage funds for environmental
environmental projects. awareness activities.
Inadequate training on Increasing environmental
environmental issues. advocacy groups.
THREATS
Indiscriminate dumping of
waste.
Lack of awareness on
the importance of good
environmental practices.
Unsecured overhead
electricity cables which
create risk of electrocution.
Poor drainage system
leading to frequent flooding
when it rains.
Dilapidated roads.
Indiscriminate dumping.
Lack of awareness
among the public on
the importance of good
environmental practices.
Poor resource management.
Poor attitude on
environmental conservation.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - ENVIRONMENT
33
33
 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

smooth flow of storm water.

ACTIVITIES: (1) To rehabilitate the pumping
machines. (2) Reconstruction of collapsed drains. (3)
Provision of drain covers for the collector drains. (4)
Dredging of canals. (5) Excavation of main outlets.

34
34
 Project proposal
ENVIRONMENT
N°2
Rehabilitation of the sewage system
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 18 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Banjul City Council, Ministry
of Public Works, National Environmental Agency,
Ministry of Finance, National Water and Electricity
Company, Department of Physical Planning and
Housing Corporation, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 10,000,000.
BACKGROUND: The city of Banjul has had a
complete sewage connection since 1990. All areas of
Banjul are connected to the system. The system however
developed technical problems because of lack of regular
maintenance. There are also a lot of solid waste materials
and sand particles that get into the system causing
frequent blockage and overflow of sewage along the
streets. The system has also developed serious structural
defects and some of the pipes are not functional thereby
causing National Water and Electricity Company to
often hire bowers to evacuate sewage water from the
manholes along the roads.
OBJECTIVE: To rehabilitate and expand the existing
sewage system in the city.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Replacement of broken pipes. (2)
Construction of new sewage pipes.
OUTPUTS: A properly functioning sewage system.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will be
implemented in three Phases: Phase 1 - Replacement
of all damaged pipes, pumping equipment/tanks and
filtering gears; Phase 2 - Raising the level of all manholes
on the streets; Phase 3 - Community sensitization and
capacity building for staff.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Sewage
pipes. (2) Pumping machines/tanks. (3) Protective gear.
Project proposal
ENVIRONMENT
N°3 Improve the waste management
system
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government, Banjul City Council, Gambia Association
of Local Government Authorities, Ministry of Public
Works, Ministry of Finance, National Environmental
Agency, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 5,000,000.
BACKGROUND: The solid waste management
system in the City of Banjul has registered significant
improvement during the last two years. However there
are certain challenges that need to be addressed, such
as the lack of trained personnel, lack of equipment and
proper landfill sites, and the shortage of staff.
OBJECTIVE: To upgrade the waste management
system in Banjul City Council.
ACTIVITIES: (1) To build the capacities of the staff. (2)
Provide safe working gear and equipment. (3) Increase
the number of staff in the waste management unit for
better collection and disposal of waste. (4) Sensitization
on the importance of proper waste management.
OUTPUTS: An efficient waste management system in
place in Banjul.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project will be
implemented in two Phases; Phase 1 - Procurement of
equipment and training of staff, Phase 2 - Upgrading of
PROJECT PROPOSALS - ENVIRONMENT
the landfill site, depot and salaries.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Heavy
duty equipment. (2) trucks. (3) Working gear. (4)
Compactors. (5) Building materials.
35
35
 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP

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.

Improved health care

system.

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.

High interest rates on loans.

Lack of entrepreneurial
skills.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

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

36
36
 LOCAL Project proposal
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Scholarship schemes and centre for
N°1 students
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of
Education, Banjul City Council, Physical Planning and
Lands, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 10,000,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city of The
Gambia and has a population of 34,828 people. Almost
60 - 65 percent of the population is of school going age.
The Ministry of Education is located in the capital city
of Banjul. There are five senior secondary schools in the
city and many upper and lower basic schools serving the
children from Banjul and surrounding areas.
OBJECTIVES: To provide scholarships to school
children.
ACTIVITIES: To identify and build a centre that will
take care of the affairs of students.
OUTPUT: To put in place a well organized and
sustainable support centre for students within the city
of Banjul and its surroundings.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project
could be implemented in two Phases; Phase 1 -
Identification and preparation of site and Phase
2 - Resource mobilization and construction of
centre.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Building
materials. (2) Furniture. (3) Computers.
LOCAL Project proposal
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Fishing and fish processing
N°2
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Local Government
Ministry, Banjul City Council, Department of
Fisheries, National Environmental Agency, and Local
Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 30,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is the capital city of The
Gambia and is located on St. Mary’s island which is
situated on the mouth of River Gambia. Fishing is the
main economic activity and it is widely dominated by
foreigners. Banjul is partly surrounded by the Atlantic
Ocean, mangroves and wetlands.
OBJECTIVE: To strengthen the capacity of the line
ministry to enable it to properly monitor and coordinate
the fishing industry.
ACTIVITIES: To provide the required equipment
(fishing gear, fish processing equipment) and training
PROJECT PROPOSALS - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
to stakeholders in the fishing industry.
OUTPUTS: A more organized and efficient fishing
industry.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Fishing gear.
(2) Fish processing machines. (3) Storage facilities.
37
37
 LOCAL Project proposal
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT Marketing and storage facilities
N°3

LOCATION: City of Banjul.

DURATION: 24 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Local Government
Ministry, Banjul City Council, Department of Fisheries,
National Environmental Agency, Ministry of Finance,
and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 200,000.
BACKGROUND: The main storage and marketing
outlet for fish products in Banjul is the Albert Market.
There are other private fish marketing and storage
outlets such as the National Partnership Enterprise
(NPE) and International Pelican Sea Food.
OBJECTIVES: To create more marketing outlets and
storage facilities for operators in the fishing industry.
ACTIVITIES: (1) To build additional public storage
and marketing facilities for fish products. (2) To
strengthen capacities of the public and private firms
involved in fishing activities.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

OUTPUTS: To put in place well organized and highly

skilled fishing structures.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
be implemented in four phases; (1) Identification
of strategic areas for the construction of additional
storage and marketing facilities. (2) Capacity
building for fishermen. (3) Provision of additional
equipment and financial support to fishermen.
(4) Monitoring of project activities.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Building
material. (2) Fish processing machines.

38
38
BASIC URBAN SERVICES

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP

Public Transport

Human resource base
available.
Infrastructure in place.
Lack of funds to improve on Availability of market. High operational cost.
the provision of basic urban
services. Rapid population growth.
Public private partnership.

Electricity and Water

Highly skilled personnel.
Effective management
structure.
Inadequate outlets for the sale
of electricity.
Lack of funds for investment
and expansion.
The introduction of prepaid
meters.
High demand for the service.
Untimely payment of bills.
Exposure of water pipes due
to erosion thereby causing
pipe bursts.

Illegal water and electricity

connections by consumers.

Roads and Drainage

Non existence of road Rehabilitation of roads by Poor drainage system.

maintenance team in place. Gamworks Agency.
Dysfunctional pumping station
Poor planning (engineering and sewerage system.
work).

Poor drainage system.

Waste Management

Existence of cleaning services.
Existence of anti-littering
bill and monthly cleaning
exercises.
Inadequate capacity.
Shortage of waste
management equipment e.g.
refuse collection bins and
trucks.
A Waste Management Unit Development of bio-gas.
has already been set up in the
city council. Indiscriminate dumping of
waste.

Inadequate public
sensitization, waste
management and disposal.

PROJECT PROPOSALS - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

Sewerage System

Existence of sewerage
infrastructure.
The infrastructure in place is
dilapidated.
Irregular maintenance of
sewage pipes which has led to
their degradation.
Already existing sewerage Sewage overflows present
infrastructure that only needs a major health hazard to
to be rehabilitated. the people and can result in
disease outbreaks.

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.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Existence of Gamworks Inadequate funds to Donor intervention. Low infrastructure

Agency. implement infrastructure development.
development policies. Community participation in
infrastructure development.
Limited capacity.

39
39
 Project proposal
BASIC URBAN
SERVICES Training on development of ward
N°1 plan
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 18 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government, Banjul City Council, Department of
Community Development, National Youth Service
Scheme, Ministry of Finance, Local Consultants,
Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and
Gambia Technical Training Institution.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 1,800,000.
BACKGROUND: Banjul is divided into three
constituencies and these constituencies are further
divided into nine wards. All three constituencies
have a member who represents them at The National
Assembly. All the nine wards also have a councillor who
represents the ward at the city council. In each ward,
a Ward Development Committees is in place which is
chaired by the ward councillor. The role of the national
assembly members, the ward councillors and the
Ward Development Committeess are very vital in the
development of the city as they are interlinked. Needs
assessment training, project identification, planning,
development, and monitoring and evaluation are key
functions of the national assembly members, the ward
councillors and the Ward Development Committeess.
According to Local Government Act of 2002, every
PROJECT PROPOSALS - BASIC URBAN SERVICES
ward is mandated to identify and develop priority
projects which are to be submitted to the council for
implementation on a yearly basis.
OBJECTIVE: To build the capacities of the Ward
Development Committees, the ward councillors and
national assembly members to be able to identify and
develop a good and comprehensive development plan
and monitor and evaluate projects.
ACTIVITIES: To sensitize and train all councillors /
Ward Development Committees members on their
roles and responsibilities in the communities.
OUTPUT: To put in place highly equipped and trained
Ward Development Committees in the City of Banjul.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Hall /
resource centre. (2) Stationery. (3) Monitoring and
evaluation tools. (4) Logistics.
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40
Project proposal
BASIC URBAN
SERVICES Training of council staff on waste
N°2 management
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 12 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government, Banjul City Council, Gambia Association of
Local Government Authorities, National Environmental
Agency, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry
of Environment and Natural Resources, and Local
Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 500,000.
BACKGROUND: Waste management is one of the major
challenges in the country. Banjul is the capital city of The
Gambia with a population of over 34,828 inhabitants
(2003 census). Banjul is a centre for business and over
30,000 people enter the city daily either from the Kombos
and its surroundings or by river from the North Bank
Region, to work and conduct businesses. The amount of
waste that is generated in the city of Banjul is very high.
Banjul City Council is tasked with the collection and
disposal of all the waste that is generated in the city. The
city council therefore in its set-up has a Waste Management
Unit that deals with collection and disposal of waste
in the city. This unit is headed by a cleaning manager
assisted by an assistant manager, supervisors, headmen,
and support staff. The efficient collection and disposal of
waste generated every day in the city of Banjul requires
a well structured Waste Management Unit. During the
data collection exercises, a lot of people commended the
city council on their efforts in dealing with the waste in
Banjul. Major challenges in the collection and disposal
of waste include lack of adequate equipment, lack of a
proper landfill site, inadequate capacity, and lack of proper
planning /programmes.
OBJECTIVE: To improve on the efficiency of the Waste
Management Unit.
ACTIVITIES: To conduct staff training on proper waste
management strategies, upgrading of the land fill site and
provision of equipment.
OUTPUTS: A highly trained and effective Waste
Management Unit in place in the city council.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
be implemented in three phases; Phase 1 - Training of
manager and support staff, Phase 2 - Upgrading of landfill
site and Phase 3 - Provision of equipment.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Waste
management equipment. (2) Construction material.
 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

PROJECT PROPOSALS - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

the development programmes taking place in the city
is in existence. However this unit lacks capacity and
equipment.
OBJECTIVE: To build the capacity of the Technical
Service Unit in project planning, implementation and
monitoring and evaluation.
ACTIVITIES: To conduct training of staff in this unit
on project planning, implementation and monitoring
and evaluation.

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 URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

Regional Disaster
Management Committee.
Presence of the National
Disaster Management
Agency (National Disaster
Management Agency).
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
Inadequate financial Government support. Poor resource management.
resources.
National Disaster Misuse of funds meant for
Inadequate capacity. Management Agency disaster management.
support.
Lack of public sensitization.
The National Policy and Act
Untimely disaster on disaster management.
interventions.
Donor support.
Shortage of fire hydrants in
case of fire outbreaks.

Weak enforcement of urban

disaster and management
policies.

Inaccessibility of areas prone

to disasters e.g. poor road
PROJECT PROPOSALS - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

infrastructure in the slums

National Disaster
Management Agency (Act
and Policy) established.
National Security Unit in
place.
Availability of funds from the
government and donors for
disaster management.
Availability of the National
Disaster Management
Agency Fund for disaster
preparedness and
prevention.
make them inaccessible
during disasters.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Weak enforcement of
disaster management
policies.
Limited technical and human
resources.
Lack of transparency
and accountability in
government.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Inefficient management of
limited resources.
Limited capacity.
Low involvement of the
community.
Government support.
International donor support.
Presence of National Disaster
Management Agency
support and coordinating
offices.
Available funding from the
government and donors.
Inadequate fire hydrants.
Poor wiring and electricity
connection.
Bribery and corruption
among government officials.
Poor resource management.
Lack of transparency
and accountability in the
management of funds.
Corruption among
government officials.

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 URBAN SAFETY Project proposal
AND URBAN
DISASTER Rehabilitation of the
MANAGEMENT electricity system
N°1
LOCATION: Banjul.
DURATION: 24 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government, Banjul City Council, National Water
and Electricity Company, Public Utilities Regulatory
Authority, and Local Consultants.
ESTIMATED COST: USD 10,000,000.
BACKGROUND: The electricity network in place is
an old system of wiring consisting of running overhead
cables. These cables are exposed resulting in high risks
of electrocution for Banjul residents. The electrical
poles erected in most streets are metals poles which
sometimes catch fire especially during the rainy season.
The street lights are old and dysfunctional. In addition,
there are many illegal electrical connections which cause
electricity shortages.
OBJECTIVES: To improve the standards of the street
lighting system in Banjul.
ACTIVITIES: To replace all worn out fluorescent
fittings with new energy saving bulbs, insulation of over
head cables, concrete poles (to replace metal poles), and
rehabilitation of existing power sub-stations.
OUTPUTS: To put in place a safe electricity network.
EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED: (1) Heavy duty
cables (covered). (2) Energy saving bulbs. (3) Fittings.
(4) Building materials.
URBAN SAFETY Project proposal
AND URBAN
DISASTER Community sensitization
MANAGEMENT on risk reduction
N°2
LOCATION: City of Banjul.
DURATION: 4 months.
BENEFICIARIES: Banjul City Council.
IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS: Ministry of Local
Government and Lands, Banjul City Council, Regional
Disaster Management Office, National Environmental
Agency, Ministry of Finance, National Water and
Electricity Company, Department of Physical Planning
and Lands, Private/Public Agencies, and Public Utilities
Regulatory Authority.
PROJECT PROPOSALS - URBAN SAFETY AND URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
ESTIMATED COST: USD 800,000.
BACKGROUND: During the data collection exercise
in all nine wards in the city of Banjul, the community
complained about the unsafe overhead electrical cables
that National Water and Electricity Company had not
been replacing and which were a serious health hazard.
The community also complained about the inadequate
supply of electricity that forced residents to use candles
for lighting. The problem of open drainage systems and
the indiscriminate dumping of waste into the drainage
system resulted in blockage of the system. Crime rate
in the city is also very high due to the rapid increase
in population, unemployment and drug and alcohol
abuse.
OBJECTIVES: To sensitize the community on disaster
risk reduction.
ACTIVITIES: To conduct sensitization programmes
on disaster awareness and management.
OUTPUT: The project is expected to increase awareness
among the people on disaster risk reduction and
formulate and enforce disaster management policies.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: The project could
be implemented in three Phases: Phase 1 - Sensitization
campaign; Phase 2 - Improvement of road network,
drainage system and sewage system; and Phase 3 -
Improvement of electricity supply.
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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

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
from the residential areas and streets and empty into the
main collector drains which are linked to the stream.
Three pumping machines are linked to the system and
facilitate the evacuation of storm water during the rainy
season. However, due to lack of good maintenance,
these machines are no longer functioning effectively
and have fallen prone to vandalism. The structure in
which these machines are housed is dilapidated.
Drains: A large number of the side road drains have
collapsed. The existing drains lack drain covers. As
a result people sometimes dump solid waste into the
drains which leads to blockages. All the existing main
drain outlets are not covered, they lack the proper
concrete basements (invert levels) and the boundary
walls are not in place.
OBJECTIVE: To provide the city of Banjul with a
proper drainage network that will allow the smooth
flow of storm water.
ACTIVITIES: (1) Reconstruction of all collapsed drains
and replacement of drain covers. (2) Construction of
boundary walls for the drains. (3) Dredging of canals.
(4) Rehabilitation of the pumping machines.

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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

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME

P.O Box 30030 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20-7623120
Fax: +254-20-7623426/7 (Central Office)
infohabitat@unhabitat.org
www.unhabitat.org/publications

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