By Isatou Sarr
Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Badjie has criticized the development record of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, challenging residents to scrutinize his performance as he seeks to transition from municipal leadership to the presidency.
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in New Jeswang over the weekend, Badjie acknowledged that residents had elected Bensouda as mayor in 2018 and re-elected him in 2023.
However, he said electoral support should be matched by expectations of tangible development and accountability.
Badjie questioned Bensouda’s record in infrastructural development, arguing that several markets, roads and youth facilities in the municipality were constructed before the mayor assumed office.
He attributed some of the projects to former KMC mayors: Lie Conteh and Yankuba Colley.
“If we say, ‘Talib, count for us the markets, roads, and schools you built,’ which market will he point to?” Badjie asked.
The minister also questioned Bensouda’s record on electricity and education, claiming that previous KMC administrations had paid the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to extend electricity supplies to communities, including Ebo Town and Latrikunda.
He challenged the mayor to identify similar electricity projects implemented under his administration.
Badjie also questioned the number of scholarships allegedly provided by the KMC administration to students in the municipality.
“He also cannot tell you how many scholarships he has given to the children of KMC,” Badjie said.
The minister further questioned the impact of a library constructed during Bensouda’s tenure, claiming that it was not being adequately utilized.
“He will say he has built a library, a library which is not being used by anybody because people do not use libraries anymore,” Badjie remarked.
He urged KMC residents to assess Bensouda’s record before considering his presidential ambitions.
“The people of KMC, if that person came to say he wants to be president, ask him what he has done,” he said.
Badjie also raised concerns over sanitation in the municipality, saying waste remained visible in several areas of KMC.
His remarks constitute a broader challenge to Bensouda’s record in local government as the mayor seeks to build support for his presidential bid.
The minister urged residents to assess the projects delivered by elected officials during their tenure and hold them accountable for their campaign promises.