By Sering Mass Jallow
The government has ordered an “immediate halt” of ongoing beautification works in Brikama, sources revealed Thursday.
The order was made by the Department of Physical Planning and Housing on Thursday, 5th March 2026 which issued an emergency notice to the Brikama Area Council (BAC).
The department described the projects as “undertaken without a development permit on site.”
In a letter addressed to the council, the Department of Physical Planning and Housing stated that the works carried out by BAC were unapproved and unauthorized. “It has been determined that the work you are conducting in Brikama is unapproved, unauthorized, and constitutes a contravention of the provisions of the development permit issued to you under the Development Regulations 1995,” the letter stated.
Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Yankuba Darboe, expressed dismay over the notice, dismissing it as unprecedented. In a statement, he condemned the government’s action, alleging political motives aimed at disrupting progress achieved under his leadership.
“It should be noted that no other council has faced such measures except us,” Darboe said. “We have been subjected to this political witch-hunt since I assumed office as Chairman of Brikama Area Council.”
He added that the council would continue the beautification project despite the notice, acknowledging the potential consequences. “Please note that we will not stop work and will continue until the consequences of our actions unfold,” he said.
Meanwhile, the emergency notice from the Department of Physical Planning underscores that the council must cease all beautification work immediately and may only resumes upon meeting the regulatory requirements to the satisfaction of the planning authority. “Failure to comply with the instructions may result in court action being taken against you or the demolition of the structure,” the notice stated.
