Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia government has allocated plots of land in Tanji—reportedly part of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets—to Chosan Properties and Construction, a company owned by Suku Singhateh, the second deputy national president of the ruling National People’s Party, according to official documents reviewed.
The allocation, made through the Department of Lands and Surveys, was approved on November 1, 2022, following a request submitted on October 14, 2022. The directive was issued under the authority of the Minister for Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs and is described as a form of compensation to the company.
The land, earmarked for tourism development, comprises multiple plots with the following dimensions: 400 by 297 meters, 15 by 100 meters, 62 by 57 meters, 85 by 80 meters, and 45 by 270 meters. It has been leased for a 99-year term to Chosan Properties and Construction, a company owned by Suku. These plots are reportedly part of the properties formerly seized from ex-President Yahya Jammeh and were allegedly leased to Kanilai Family Farms in the past.
The agreement imposes strict development conditions. Construction must begin within six months of the allocation date and be completed within two years. All building plans must adhere to the Physical Planning and Development Control Act and receive prior approval. Should the site remain undeveloped for more than 24 months, the allocation will automatically be revoked, with the state re-entering the property without prior notice.
The lease will only be formalized after substantial progress has been made on the proposed development. Additionally, the company is required to preserve all existing trees and natural resources on the site and comply with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines.
Before any development can begin, the land must be surveyed and demarcated by the Principal Surveyor. Survey fees and land premiums are due within 30 days of the allocation date.
Failure to comply with any of the stipulated conditions may result in the forfeiture of the land, according to the directive.
In a concluding note, the Director of Lands and Surveys, congratulated the company and urged adherence to all legal and environmental standards within the allotted time frame.
Readers may recall that Suku Singhateh was previously alleged to have been allocated a large residential plot of land in Lamin, Kombo North District. However, the land was reportedly returned following protests from the Lamin community, who opposed the allocation on the grounds that the site had been designated for sports development. It is not clear from the documents if this new allocation is compensation for the Lamin site.
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