By Binta Jaiteh
The parliamentary standing committee has issued a report which cataloged some major challenges facing the defense and security sectors.
The challenges include insufficient food, lack of mobility, fuel, and funds for security institutions across the country.
The report was presented in the National Assembly following a countrywide tour by members of the standing committee on defense and security.
Sheriff Sarr, a member of the committee presenting the report lamented the challenges faced by soldiers at Fajara Barracks. These, he says, include a lack of enough budgetary allocation for food and food services which cannot suffice for all the personnel.
Hon. Sarr pointed out that accommodation for soldiers is very bad with some of their houses having poor roofing. He said medical cards for soldiers are usually disregarded in some public hospitals.
Other challenges have to do with military trucks most of which are beyond repair, he said. Furthermore, the report highlights that fuel allocation is not sufficient for their operations, among other things.
Turning attention to the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Sarr disclosed that the lack of funds prevents the institution from constructing a new office complex.
“No recruitment training since the start of the new dispensation and it has affected the institution in the execution of its duties because of limited manpower. Machine-readable passport printing machines are having issues and require new ones,’’ Sarr noted.
Meanwhile, the committee recommended for fast-tracking the legal reform process and also criminalizing the smuggling of migrants to help curb illegal activity.
The Committee also recommended the creation of a national security belt initiative and strengthening the ongoing security sector reform.
After a thorough debate, the assembly adopted the report of the defense and security and demanded for the recommendations to be implemented by the responsible Ministries.
