‘Banjulians Are Demanding Answers’ — Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe Questions Missing Sand Mining Revenues

By Dawda Baldeh

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe of the Banjul City Council has demanded full transparency over revenues generated from major commercial sand mining operations, revealing that the capital city has received zero financial benefit despite significant damage to municipal infrastructure.

According to the mayor, the sand mining venture conducted by company Sino Majilac Jalbak is estimated to have generated over D400 million (approx. $5.8m), yet none of those funds have been allocated to the city council or local community.

Mayor Lowe highlighted the growing environmental and logistical strain on the capital, pointing out that more than 100 heavy-duty trucks pass through Banjul daily to transport extracted sand. She argued that the relentless heavy traffic is rapidly degrading roads and public utilities, placing a severe financial and operational burden on municipal authorities and residents.

“Our infrastructure is suffering, and Banjulians are demanding answers,” Mayor Lowe said, calling for a complete and public accounting of all funds generated by the operation, alongside a fair share of revenue to repair local infrastructure.

Concluding her statement, the mayor reiterated her demand for financial justice for the capital, urging central government authorities to enforce transparency, accountability, and an equitable distribution of proceeds derived from the city’s natural resources.