Brikama Area Council Chairman Hon. Yankuba Darboe has dismissed reports that the council is in financial distress, saying a D50 million loan approved last month is a refinancing choice, not a rescue.
At the Monthly General Council sitting on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, members adopted a resolution authorizing the administration to seek a D50 million facility from Eco Bank Ltd, repayable over five years. The motion, tabled by the chairman, was moved by the councilor for Bijilo Ward and seconded by the councilor for Kanilai Ward. It passed by show of hands.
The resolution states the loan is intended to settle outstanding amounts owed to Espace Motors for garbage trucks and heavy-duty machinery used in waste management, sanitation and other services.
Darboe said media reports from Baobab Bloomlight and Liberal Times that the council is borrowing because it cannot pay its debts are “imaginary fabrications.” He described those outlets as aligned with Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Bensouda and accused them of using a leaked resolution for political propaganda.
According to the chairman, the council took delivery in 2024 of a shovel loader, bulldozer, two dumper trucks, five compactors and other equipment on hire purchase from Espace Motors at a total cost of D101 million over three years. D43 million has already been paid, leaving a balance of D58 million: D24 million due in 2026 and D34 million in 2027.
Ecobank offered to clear the full remaining D58 million. The council instead chose a D50 million facility this year so that repayment of the rest can be stretched to 2031. Darboe said the arrangement would free about D20 million in 2026 and D23 million in 2027 for additional vehicles or development projects.
He added that the council currently holds a surplus of more than D10 million and is in a stronger financial condition than the Kanifing Municipal Council. “If they are praying for BAC to have a financial crisis at present, they should pray harder,” he said. “That is not the case at present and will not be under our watch.”
The council directed the administration to implement the resolution and keep members informed of progress.
