By Omar Bah
The Kanifing Municipal Council Markets Board Chairman, Momar Taal, has pledged to investigate allegations of nepotism and unnecessary relocation of vendors at the Bakoteh market.
Fish and other vendors at the Bakoteh Tippa Garage market have raised concerns about being relocated without valid reasons, significantly impacting their sales. Mammy Darboe, a pitiful trader at the Bakoteh market, mentioned that the fish vendors are being asked to leave the market without justification. She emphasized that the fish and other vendors selling different goods, as their usual customers, are no longer frequenting the market.
Babucarr Jobe, another vendor at the market, expressed that removing the fish vendors has substantially impacted their businesses. He urged the council to promptly address the issues of nepotism and segregation in the market. Similarly, Mariama Mendy, a vendor, highlighted that since the fish vendors left the area, they have struggled to make sales, with some vendors even closing their stores due to a lack of profit. Ebrima Secka, another vendor, emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the Tippa Garage Market and urged the return of the fish vendors to their original location, calling on Mayor Bensouda to intervene and resolve the issue promptly.
In response to the allegations, Chairman Taal stated that the accusations of nepotism and relocating vendors were new to the board. He assured that an immediate investigation would be conducted to address the matter without delay, emphasizing the board’s open-door policy and commitment to protecting the vendors’ interests.
Taal explained that restructuring was underway to eliminate such practices and improve overall market operations. He mentioned that the board was in the process of appointing a new market manager and highlighted the improvements made under the interim management, particularly in terms of sanitation. He also emphasized the ongoing project to renovate the Bakoteh market, aiming to create a model environment for the community.
