By Fatou Krubally
Hon. Abdoulie Njai, Member of the National Assembly for Banjul Central, on Saturday hosted his first open community town hall, locally known as a Bantaba, bringing residents together for dialogue, accountability, and the unveiling of several constituency development initiatives.
The meeting, held along Fitzgerald Street, drew community members, youth groups, and local stakeholders. It provided a platform for the legislator to brief constituents on his parliamentary work and to receive feedback directly from the community.
Speaking at the event, Njai said the forum reflects his commitment to consultation and inclusive representation. “As a representative, engagement is key. Before taking issues to the Assembly, we must first consult the people,” he said, adding that the town hall also serves to address misinformation and foster open discussion on local concerns.
The event featured the launch of the Solar Lumina Project, aimed at installing solar-powered lights in poorly lit areas to improve visibility and enhance public safety. Njai noted that the initiative is designed to deter theft, illegal dumping, and other activities associated with dark spaces.
The legislator also highlighted support for sports development, presenting football, basketball, and volleyball teams with kits and equipment. He said the assistance is intended to reduce financial burdens on youth teams and encourage wider participation in sports.
Additional interventions outlined at the town hall included back-to-school support for families, skills development programs, scholarships, and job placement assistance for young people in the constituency.
During an interactive session, residents raised concerns and offered suggestions, which Njai said would guide his advocacy and policy priorities at the National Assembly. He also announced plans to strengthen civic education to improve public understanding of elected officials’ roles and responsibilities.
The Bantaba concluded with calls for continued engagement, with constituents welcoming the initiative as a step toward closer communication between community members and their elected representative.