Foroyaa have been informed that operators at the Tippa Garage located at Bokoteh in Serekunda West are to vacate the area as soon as possible. When this reporter visited the place he was told by people conducting business in the area that they have been told to vacate. According to them they have received a letter from the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) asking them to vacate the area. Those who spoke to this reporter expressed concern over the development, saying that they have not been given another place as an alternative.

They explained that they are already known for their operation at that place and moving out abruptly would impact on their work negatively. They opined that the best thing is for council to allow them continue occupying the area until a suitable and permanent place is found for them. They showed this reporter a letter they had received from the council informing them that construction should take place at the site under a fisheries project. The letter reads:

Kanifing Municipal Council,

Our ref: KMC/ ADM/088/your ref dated 13/10/09.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources and Fisheries Banjul.

Confirmation for the availability of Tippa Garage for the construction of fisheries project

I am pleased to inform you that, the management team of KMC wishes to inform the ready availability of the Tippa Garage area for the construction of the proposed fisheries project. You are therefore at liberty to start the construction work as soon as possible. By a copy of this letter the Gambia National Transport Control Association is herby informed accordingly.

Abdoulie M. B Sanyang

Chief Executive Officer, KMC

Copied to Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Lands

Mayor KMC.

Director General NIA

Inspector General of Police

Director of Finance

Director of Planning and Development

GNTCA and the Alkalo of Bakoteh

When contacted the Public Affairs Manager at KMC Pa Kalifa Sanyang confirmed the story. He when on to explained that the place has already been identified for fisheries project as a cool store. He explained that the project is being finance by the government of the Gambia. He said those going to benefit will be those involved in the fisheries sector.

Asked whether council has identified any other place to be use as a Tippa Garage he answered in the negative. However he said it is the duty of council to provide a place for a new Tippa Garage but it is unfortunate as council have no space or land to transfer the said garage.