By Haruna Kuyateh
A big powered delegation from Kerewan Area Council has donated a cheaque for 10,000 dalasis to health officials at Amdalai border posts which aimed to help health officials in their effort to sensitise the public on Coronavirus.
The delegation led by NBR governor Ebrima KS Dampha also showed the presence of KAC chairman Malamin IL Bojang chief Bakary Nana Sonko, members of Technical Advisory Committee and Hon. Kebba Jallow ward councillor for Essau ward, also donated 3,000 dalasis to volunteers at Barra Ferry Terminal and Amdalali for their effort to contain the virus.
Meanwhile, the governor also held similar tour to Kerr Ali border post where he donated 4000 dalasis.
NBR governor Ebrima KS Dampha who spoke in Amdalai, underscored government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to control Covid 19.
“To ensure proper surveillance and screening at done all border points of entry. Governor Dampha and team presented a token of D3000 border for their selfless sacrifice of serving humanity.
Chairman Malamin IL Bojang of Kerewan Area Council said his council would provide support to control the spread of virus. Regional leaders hailed Gambia Red Cross Volunteers and their counterparts at Karang border in Senegal for their commitment providing humanitarian services.
The delegation expressed satisfaction on the level of collaboration at border entry and Barra ferry terminal in promoting Hand washing which is key to control the spread of COVID 19.
Modoulamin Fofana, regional principal health officer at Essau thanks Kerewan Area Council for their foresight and noted the health directorate would intensify public awareness to promote personal hygiene and including hand washing.
Sang M Jarju Public Health Officer hailed the visit by Governor and delegation, noting that there is need for additional manpower at Amdalali border as the area is very strategic for both countries. He disclosed that all efforts are taken by the team to sensitized members of the community including car parks and business communities along the border line on the Corona virus. He launched an appeal to Governor to support them for the temporal isolation centre at the border to have electricity supply.
Public Health Officer expressed high level of collaboration between their Senegalese counterparts in information sharing and joint sensitisation has contributed to create awareness and help to report any suspect to health authorities for action. He lauded the active participation and involvement of red cross volunteers and security forces for their steadfastness in directing passengers for hand washing and temperature checks.
Ousman C Jallow GRCS Branch Officer for NBR said the deployment of volunteers is in fulfilment of their mandate in providing humanitarian service to humanity. He noted that cash assistance provided Governor and local authorities to volunteers at Kerr Ali, Amdalali and Barra ferry crossing point demonstrated the concern by authorities to provide food to the team. He disclosed that volunteers and health workers are conducting outreach sensitisation on CORONAVIRUS and to encourage proper and consistent hand washing.
Jonkunda Suso Manager at Barra Ferry Terminal described the pandemic has a threat to national economy and call on public health officials to support them to sensitize travellers using the ferry. He said GPA will continue to support and partner with institutions to strengthen information dissemination on COVID 19 to help customers plying Barra to Banjul to value hand washing.
Chief Fabakary Nana Sonko and Hon. Kebba Jallow ward councillor for Essau call on public to be vigilant and adopt positive behaviour to prevent infection. The local authorities in Lower Nuimi has reiterated their commitment to support health staff to reach out to people’s.