Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh criticises the current demolition of homes belonging to the residents of Salagi and raises concerns about its legality. Residents of Salagi have expressed their profound frustration and sorrow after the abrupt demolition of their homes and compounds by government authorities.
A number of the impacted residents assert that the exercise was conducted without sufficient consultation or proper procedures, resulting in their devastation and displacement. They stated that they had adhered to all required legal protocols before commencing construction, which included securing approvals from the Department of Physical Planning, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Justice.
According to eyewitnesses, the demolition team arrived unannounced, accompanied by armed soldiers, and promptly commenced the destruction of structures.
Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh condemns the government for failing to adhere to due process in relation to these demolitions. How can you issue a building permit to these individuals only to have their homes demolished? Mr. Suwareh asked?
The government should have conducted thorough studies and engaged in meaningful consultations with the Salagi residents instead of demolishing their homes without consideration. Consider the countless years of diligent effort these individuals have invested to construct these homes. “This government’s lack of empathy is at the heart of the issue,” Mr. Suwareh stated.
Mr. Ben Suwareh states that the majority of the homes being demolished by the government are not intended for the construction of hospitals or roads.
The true motivations behind the demolition of these houses stem from the government’s desire to allocate these plots of land for their own purposes.
“This is not a novel occurrence in the administration of President Adama Barrow.” Mr. Suwareh added.
