Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, has defended the state’s takeover of McCarthy Square from the Banjul City Council, stating that the square was neglected by the council.

Dr. Ceesay’s remarks come amid widespread condemnation from various councils over the state’s decision to take over the square from the Banjul City Council (BCC)

In his response, he accused the BCC of neglecting the square over the years, prompting the state to step in and rescue it.

“McCarthy Square was dilapidated and abandoned by the Banjul City Council. It was not taken care of, and the government has been spending hundreds of millions every year to renovate it. It was abandoned and neglected by the council, and everything was falling apart,” he said.

He explained that the government decided to take charge of the square in order to save it from further deterioration.

“The government realised that it is in the best interest of the country to take charge of this national infrastructure. The government deemed it wise to take care of it, and it has been doing so anyway,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba