By Yunus S Saliu
With a strong determination to provide modernized Lumosacross the country, the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) Friday, 29th March 2024 laid the first Lumo Project foundation stone in Wellingaraba, Lower River Region (LRR) to mark the beginning of modernize Lumos in the country.
Honourable Minister AboubacarrOusmailaJoof speaking at the laying of the foundation stone ceremony, attended by different dignitaries including a representative of the LRR Governor, chairman Mansakonko Area Council, Members of Parliament, VDC chairman, Permanent Secretaries, Imams and community elders and others, rated lumos as important market centers in the country that are helping to integrate “our border communities.”
Considering the importance of Lumos in promoting cross-border trade, he said his Ministry identified the modernization of Lumos across the country as a key priority in the development of domestic trade, consequently, the need to develop a domestic trade strategy was eminent.
The Minister thanked the ECOWAS Commission for their foresight in initiating the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Program (2023-2027) which aims at strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation among border communities and promotes their socio-economic development.
“We must thank the Commission for their generous support to this project at the tune of $100,000 which made it possible for us to gather here today. In addition, I want to thank the management staff of My Ministry, Mansakonko Area Council, and National Assembly member for Jarra East and the Village Development Community of Wellingaraba for their unwavering support and commitment to this project,” Minister Joofexpressed appreciation.
As they gathered to commence the project which embodies their collective vision for prosperity and growth – the construction and modernization of the WellingarabaLumo, He said the teamwork they demonstrated so far has been excellent while encouraging them to maintain the same spirit throughout the execution stage of the project.
He noted that the project was born out of a vision that emanated from a pronouncement he made to his team during his familiarization tour of Borders and community markets following his appointment in 2022.
“I am grateful to my team for picking that declaration up and making it a reality under the coordination of my PS MrLaminDampha and the perseverance of the Regional Integration and Planning teams. I, therefore, use this opportunity to thank the Government of The Gambia and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for their contributions to the project,” he appreciated the team.
He went on to applaud the Mansakonko Area Council for the quality of their proposal which made it possible for this community to win the first MoTIE-sponsored LumoModernization Crusade despite stiff competition from other centers.
The project, he noted, holds the promise of not only boosting domestic Trade and Integration but it will also elevating the standards of living of traders and vendors, thus, “it is meant to facilitate cross-border trade and foster stronger ties between our cross-border communities. This project strongly aligns with the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to promoting Trade, Regional Integration, and market connectivity through the construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure across the country,” he emphasized.
Also, the “Government has already committed to supporting the replication of this initiative in all lumo centers while prioritizing those conducted on main highways posing a threat to lives and properties. The project will host facilities that promote health and hygiene, preserve unsold vegetables, and promote security of goods and peoples,” he explained.
He noted that for far too long, local communities have been grappling with the challenges of limited access to modern market facilities. Traders and vendors have persevered in adverse conditions, often lacking the infrastructure and resources necessary to conduct their businesses effectively, “but, today marks the dawn of a new era. With the construction of the Wellingarabalumo market, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for those heroes who lubricate the wheels of economic activities – one characterized by economic empowerment and inclusive growth.”
Once again, he admonished them not to rest on their laurels but to strengthen their efforts to ensure that this construction project is completed within the stipulated time, while the consultant is being urged to be vigilant by ensuring quality work is delivered at all times as this should be one of President Adama Barrow’s legacy as President of the Republic.
Mr. LaminDampha, Permanent Secretary of MOTIE, the NAM for Jarra East Constituency, Alkalo, Chief, and Ward Counsellor of Wellingaraba among others made remarkable speeches at the laying of the foundation stone ceremony.
