Africa-Press – Gambia. Mayor Talib Bensouda of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has intervened in the Serre Kunda Market/‘Wanterr’ vendors’ crisis by summoning representatives of the two opposing sides for a dialogue in his office on Friday.
KMC Mayor made the arrangement for today’s dialogue on Thursday during a meeting with the market vendors at the ‘Mbarr Pa Dembo’ within the market.
Bensouda also ordered for the suspension of the annual ‘wanterr’ on the streets of the market, pending the outcome of Friday’s dialogue.
He calls for calm and tolerance, stating that it’s unfortunate to witness such misunderstanding within his municipality. He said the unrest brought shame for him while urging for restoration of calm and forgiveness amongst the shopkeepers and the ‘wanterr’ vendors.
Bensouda points out that when the streets are occupied, it’s always difficult to access the market particularly in times of emergencies. He said the shopkeepers should also understand that those selling on the streets of the market are doing so because they don’t have any other place. “So, let’s understand that those selling on the streets don’t have the rights to do so, but it’s just a privilege,” the Mayor reiterated.
“We are suspending this ‘wanterr’, and I am summoning a meeting in my office tomorrow. Market committees and representatives of the ‘wanterr’ vendors should meet with the council and dialogue a way forward,” Bensouda declared on Thursday.
“Whatever is agreed in that meeting will be our final decision. I want to tell you that the decision that we are going to take must be in line with the laws of the country,” he added.
He advised that whenever disagreement erupts between the vendors and shopkeepers, they should visit his office to find a peaceful solution. He called on the leaders of the market to always seek a peaceful solution to issues when they arose.
He disclosed that his council has already commenced a D55 million project for market expansion and will soon lay the foundation stone for a three-storey building that will help accommodate more vendors.
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