By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Sukuta Ward Councilor Abdou K. Cham has announced a mass protest scheduled for Saturday, May 17, in response to the recent government demolition of compounds and structures in Salagi, which left at least 17 families homeless. The councilor’s call to action follows his visit to the demolition site on May 11, where he condemned the actions of the Physical Planning Department as “heartless” and unlawful.
Cham urged local authorities, including the Chief and Alkalo of Sukuta, the National Assembly Member for Sanementereng, youth leaders, and residents of Kombo, to join the affected families in condemning the demolitions. He criticized the government for failing to issue prior notices to victims, stating, “It is unjustifiable to demolish someone’s property without notice. Even tenants receive three months’ notice from landlords.” He argued that such actions violate the rule of law and “sow seeds of discomfort and chaos.”
The councilor highlighted what he described as selective demolition, noting that structures belonging to individuals connected to senior government officials were spared, while those of Sukuta’s poorer residents were razed. “What I have seen is shocking and heart-wrenching,” Cham said. “Fully built structures were torn down for basketball courts. This is unimaginable and against the law.”
The planned demonstration, Cham emphasized, is not politically motivated but a response to the “undue suffering” of Salagi residents. He called for a peaceful protest, with participants using banners, posters, and placards to express their condemnation. Cham also referenced historical grievances, claiming that both the Jammeh and Barrow administrations have failed to compensate Sukuta residents for lands taken for developments like Nemasu and Brusubi. “It is time for the people of Sukuta to end the madness of land grabbing,” he declared.
Among the victims, 70-year-old Amie Sanneh shared her devastation after her son’s storey building was demolished. She revealed that the family had planned to move into the building before the Tobaski prayer and possessed all necessary documentation, including a building permit. “This has devastated our entire family,” Sanneh said, appealing for the government to restore the building or provide adequate compensation.
Other residents, including Seedu Jarra, echoed Sanneh’s sentiments, warning that the situation could escalate if the government does not address the issue. Victims and community members expressed frustration over what they perceive as targeted destruction of their properties.
Cham reiterated his call for a massive turnout, stressing the need for unity to challenge the Physical Planning Department’s actions. He questioned why certain compounds on the same reserve lands were left untouched and demanded transparency from the agency.
As Sukuta prepares for the demonstration, the community remains united in its demand for justice and accountability. The protest will serve as a critical moment for residents to voice their grievances and seek redress for the losses incurred in Salagi.
