Businessman Pays Over D1.3 Million for BCC Land, Still Denied Access Seven Years On

By JarraNews Staff Reporter Gambian Businessman Pays Over D1.3 Million for BCC Land, Still Denied Access Seven Years On Banjul — A Gambian businessman who says he paid over D1.3 million to the Banjul City Council (BCC) for a plot of land has told the Local Government Commission of Inquiry that, despite making substantial payments, he has yet to take possession of the land—more than seven years after it was first allocated to him. Momodou Korka Jallow testified before the Commission on Tuesday, revealing that he applied for a plot after learning that land allocations were being made to others. His application, he said, was approved, and he was allocated a parcel measuring 175 by 125 meters. He was asked to pay D2 million for the property. “I was only given a letter indicating that I should pay D2 million,” Jallow told the Commission, stating that no negotiations took place over the amount. Under questioning from Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, Jallow confirmed that he accepted the price as quoted. Jallow said he began payments toward the D2 million fee, ultimately paying around D1.3 million before halting in 2022. He explained that he was advised not to proceed further after learning that an embargo had been placed on land transactions under review. He supported his testimony with a lease agreement dated 2017 and ten payment receipts issued by the BCC, all of which were submitted into evidence. Despite these payments, he said, the land remains out of his reach. The allocation, Jallow noted, was made during the tenure of the late Mayor Abdoulie Bah, whom he described as “a friend.” He stopped short of alleging misconduct but emphasized that the process has been stalled ever since. “Since then, I have been struggling to possess the land,” Jallow said. “I was told the issue would be resolved, and I am still waiting.” The Commission asked Jallow to provide further documentation, including his application letter, the approval, and all related correspondence with the BCC. His testimony comes amid a sweeping probe by the Local Government Commission of Inquiry into land allocations, procurement, and financial practices across local councils between May 2018 and January 2023. The inquiry is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability in local governance. The hearings continue.