By Yusupha Jobe
The National Assembly Select Committee tasked to monitor the State of Public Emergency amidst of the pandemic has recommended the temporary closure of fishmeal plants established along the coastal communities. The recommendation was made to the Assembly at the ongoing Extra-Ordinary Session of the National Assembly over the weekend.
The National Assembly Members, Friday, 15th May, 2020 begins extraordinary session to debate on the coronavirus emergency regulations, report from Select Committee and among other top issues which include possible extension of the State of Public Emergency for another 45-day.
However, after presentation, the request for the extension of the State of Public Emergency was rejected by the parliamentarians through votes, while debate on the issue was adjourned till Monday, 18th May, 2020.
Presenting the committee’s report before the National Assembly Members at the extraordinary session, the select committee, among one of its recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 reads:
“In collaboration with the task force at the landing sites, ensure that all foreign boats that docks in the country are impounded and persons on board be subjected to the necessary local health regulations. Places should be indentified at the different landing sites for fish vendors to sell their fish in accordance with social distancing regulations.
The report further states that “Although fishmeal factories have claimed to scale down production thereby reducing crowds and public interaction, the evidence on the ground shows total disregards for social distancing and high risk of spreading the virus. The committee therefore strongly recommends the fishmeal factories to temporarily close.”