By Adama Makasuba
Spain-based Gambian group, Bolongbakono, has complained that mega generator which the group is to donate to Basse Major Health Center is still withheld at the Banjul Ports since 2013.
They blamed both Jammeh and Barrow leaderships for showing no political will in ensuring that the mega generator is discharge for the use of the beneficiary, Basse Major Health Center in Upper River Region of the country.
Bakary Kora, secretary general of the group, told The Voice exclusively that “this generator has been languishing at the port since 2013 to date. I can even take you people to the exact place it is dumped at the port. It is a generator that can even supply the whole of Basse electricity. I see lack of political will from the former regime and the present government because such equipment has been sent by Gambian people to benefit Gambians people. So there shouldn’t be any delay or whatsoever in discharging it.”
He explained that “initially, what I suspected is definitely the case that there is this intention for us to pay officers both at the Health ministry and at the port so that they can release this [generator]; if not they will not have any interest in it. That one I can certainly say.”
He called on President Barrow to help ensure such activity is stopped in his administration, adding there should not be any hitch about releasing items sent by Gambians in the diaspora for the benefits of Gambians at home.
“I want to tell President Adama Barrow that such things should not be tolerated. Once items are sent by Gambians for the benefit of Gambians there should be no political deal in it other than our interest. Let there be no hurdles, let there be no tax issues,” he urged.
“Around 2013 the association had a meeting with the then Minister of Health, Fatim Badjie during the era of former president Yahya Jammeh that we wanted to send a generator to The Gambia and it’s destined for Basse Major Health Center to help the hospital with the electricity situation. But when the information leaked to the former president Yahya Jammeh he decided to change the whole scenario saying that the diaspora people cannot decide now where the generator is going and suddenly also Honorable Fatim Badjie was removed from the Health Ministry, I continued to pursue the case until the regime changed,” he narrated.
