Gunjur Ward Councillor Calls for Accountability and Reform at Fish Landing Site

Gunjur, The Gambia – May 20, 2025

In a bold and direct address to the Gunjur community, Ward Councillor Hon. Momodou Charreh Gibba has called for immediate accountability and reform at the Gunjur fish landing site. Speaking to stakeholders, Councillor Gibba clarified the distinct roles of local governance bodies and raised serious concerns over years of mismanagement at one of the town’s most vital economic hubs.

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities

Gibba began his address by reaffirming his duties as an elected representative. He emphasised that his role includes not only representing the people at the Area Council but also ensuring that community committees such as the Center Management Committee (CMC), the Village Development Committee (VDC), and other local bodies function effectively and transparently.

“The wellbeing of our fisheries sector depends on good management, transparency, and inclusive participation,” Hon. Gibba stated.

He went on to outline the core responsibilities of the CMC, which include managing daily activities at the fish landing site, holding annual general meetings, ensuring financial transparency, maintaining the facility, and representing all stakeholders, including fishermen, fish mongers, and boat owners.

Exposing Longstanding Mismanagement

Councillor Gibba didn’t shy away from confronting what he described as a “decade-long lack of accountability.” He revealed that the CMC has failed to hold a single Annual General Meeting since 2015, leaving stakeholders in the dark about financial and operational matters.

“There is no financial accountability,” he said. “None of the stakeholders, including the Gunjur VDC representatives can tell you how much is in the CMC accounts.”

He further pointed out that previous findings by the National Audit Office were ignored, and no corrective measures have been taken to address the concerns raised. Additionally, he lamented the deteriorating conditions of the landing site, citing poor sanitation, lack of basic services, and inadequate management.

Action Plan and Call to Community

To address the crisis, Councillor Gibba announced a set of immediate actions:

• Calling for an emergency stakeholders’ forum

• Demanding a full financial and operational report from the CMC

• Escalating the issue to the Area Council and the Fisheries Department

• Proposing a restructuring or re-election of the CMC if necessary

• Advocating for improvements in basic services at the landing site

He urged all stakeholders to unite in demanding better governance and transparency, reminding the community that access to information is a legal right.

Grounded in Law

To strengthen his message, Councillor Gibba cited the Local Government Act 2002, specifically Section 71(1)(A)(c), which mandates councils to manage fisheries resources sustainably. He also referenced the Fisheries Act 2007, highlighting provisions that stress the community’s right to participate in the organisation and regulation of fisheries centers.

Conclusion

“The fish landing site belongs to the community, and we must manage it as responsible partners,” Councillor Gibba concluded. He called on all community members to voice their concerns, submit suggestions, and support the push for good governance.

Distribution and Next Steps

The statement has been copied to key local and national stakeholders including the Alkalo of Gunjur, Seyfo Kombo South, the Council of Elders, the Ministry of Fisheries, Gunjur VDC, VLOC, the local Fisheries Officer, the Fisherfolk Association, and members of the media.

Editor’s Note:

This statement represents a strong stance from the Gunjur Ward Councillor in the interest of community-led accountability. The coming weeks may prove pivotal in reshaping the management of Gunjur’s vital fish landing site.