By Binta Jaiteh
Honorable Fafa Mbaye, Minister of Petroleum and Energyhas revealed that the royal accrued from quarrying operation of sand and gravel amounting to D162, 869,786 adding that financial benefits to the state create employment opportunities
During the question and answer session yesterday, he said: “I am pleased to inform the Hon Member that Minerals discovered, extracted and utilized on a commercial scale are heavy mineral concentrate (Ilmenite, rutile, zircon) raw products mined for export. Construction sand and gravel for the construction industry in The Gambia, kaolinitic clay for industrial uses in the ceramic industry but yet to be exploited and utilized.”
According to him, during the past five years of the Barrow Government (January 2017 to December 2021) the Mining and Quarrying sector effected the following royalty payments to the Central Bank, which is managed and controlled by the Accountant General’s Department meanwhile mining operations of heavy mineral Sand Concentrate by GACH Company effected royalty payment of US$1,483, 816.59.
“Other benefits are corporate income tax payments, training and institutional support to the Geological Department in accordance with provisions of the mining licence,” he added.
Meanwhile, when Honorrable Halifa Sallah asked him about the concrete plans in place to put an end to the unreliable water supply in Serrekunda, especially in the Janjang area of London Corner Ward, and that tell the assembly the type of Mineral available in the country and the benefits accrued from each of the mining sectors, during the past five years of the Barrow administration
He responded that this area is supplied from the Serrekunda System as part of the French Development Agency (AFD) Water Supply and Sanitation in GBA (WASIB) amounting to EURO 16.5 million, there will be works implemented that will assist in the improvement of water supply within Serrekunda especially the Janjang area.
“However, the concrete work plan includes design and build of one (1) new elevated water tank for replacement of Serekunda old tank (500 m3) including foundations and tower. Design and build of one (1) new water ground level reservoir for replacement of Serekunda reservoir (900 m3) furthermore, replacement of nine (9) old transfer pumps (Serekunda to Banjul pumps, Serekunda small pumps, Miles 2 booster pumps),” he said.
