Africa-Press – Gambia. A group of individuals affected by the recent demolition exercise in Old Yundum has decried what it called, violation of a court order by the Lands Ministry and the Department of Physical Planning.
The group on Thursday organised a press conference at the affected area located behind Jah Oil petrol station just opposite Yarambamba.
The victims accused the Department of Physical Planning of disregarding a High Court injunction and failing to present any official documentation, such as a government white paper, to prove that the area is a government-reserved zone.
According to them, the demolition has had a severe impact on their lives and livelihoods, with many calling the Ministry’s actions unacceptable. They contended that proper legal procedures were not followed before the demolitions were carried out.
The victims told reporters that the government’s responsibility is to defend citizens, but not to destroy people who invested their money in landed properties.
The dispute stems from a land ownership conflict involving S & J Properties Company Limited, which acquired the land and later resold it to private individuals. Following claims that the area was government-reserved, the company initiated legal action against the Ministry of Lands at the Brikama High Court.
On March 9, 2023, the court granted an interim injunction in favor of the plaintiffs, restraining the Ministry and its agents from demolishing or interfering with the property, pending the determination of the case. Court documents confirm that the injunction was issued on March 16, 2023, by Justice S.B. Tabally.
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