Africa-Press – Gambia. In a bid to revive traditional values and strengthen social cohesion, the community of Basse Manneh Kunda in the Upper River Region recently inaugurated a newly refurbished village square locally known as a Bantaba. The inauguration was marked with a community cleansing exercise.
The ceremony, attended by local authorities, institutions, and community members from Basse and surrounding villages, marked a significant milestone in promoting peacebuilding, unity, and intergenerational dialogue.
Traditionally, Bantaba serves as a meeting point for elders, youths, and community leaders to discuss development needs, resolve conflicts, and build consensus on key issues affecting the village.
Speaking at the event, the Alkalo of Basse Manneh Kunda, Lasana Manneh underscored the importance of restoring the Bantaba, saying it provides a platform for dialogue, community engagement, and preservation of cultural heritage.
He thanked the Village Development Committee (VDC), the Manneh Kunda Association in Kombo, and members of the diaspora for their commitment to community development and cultural preservation.
“This initiative will not only revive our traditions but also encourage the younger generation to cherish and uphold our cultural values,” Alkalo Manneh stated.
Nfally Manneh, Chairman of the Manneh Development Association in Kombo, described the event as both historic and transformative. He emphasized that the refurbished square would serve as a central venue for discussing development projects, resolving disputes, and fostering closer ties among residents and guests alike.
“This Bantaba will serve as a symbol of unity and a hub for promoting mutual understanding among settlers and strangers,” Chairman Manneh noted. He praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the task force and donors, for mobilizing the resources needed to complete what he called a “state-of-the-art village square.”
The project forms part of a broader village development plan and offers a communal resting place for both visitors and residents. Chairman Manneh also revealed that plans are underway to rehabilitate other cultural and historical sites across the village to preserve heritage and encourage shared learning between generations.
During the event, Jalimusa Suso, a renowned griot from Manneh Kunda, gave a historical overview of the Bantaba’s role in the village’s 400-year history. He explained how it was used in the past for community defense planning, decision-making, and conflict resolution, underscoring its value in fostering unity.
The inauguration ceremony was vibrant, featuring traditional performances and a strong turnout of women and youth who actively participated in village-wide cleansing activities. The initiative highlighted the power of voluntarism and community ownership in driving sustainable development.
This cultural renaissance in Basse Manneh Kunda stands as a shining example of how preservation of traditions can go hand in hand with modern community development.
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