Mayor Talib Bensouda has explained the reason for his absence during President Adama Barrow’s visit to the Serekunda and Latrikunda markets following fire outbreaks, stating that his office was not officially notified by the president’s office about the visit.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday at the KMC headquarters in Westfield, Mayor Bensouda urged the presidency to adopt more effective communication in the future regarding matters relating to the municipality.

Despite his absence, he said he delegated his subordinates, council members, and the market manager to welcome the president and his delegation, adding that he would have loved to be present if officially notified.

“I must acknowledge that the head of state visited the markets, and I personally would have loved to be there. But to set the record straight, KMC was not officially informed, and I was not officially informed,” he said.

“So, we urge them to move forward to send communication in a timely manner to the council, so the head of the municipality, in my person, would be there and also provide the council’s perspective,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba