By Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly Member for Kiang West Constituency questioned the Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources to provide an update on the D80 million fishery development fund.
The lawmaker asked the Minister during the debate on the State of Nation Address delivered by President Adama Barrow last week.
Hon. Ceesay further demanded the audit report of the development fund tasking the Ministry of Finance to investigate whether the fund has been audited.
He further stated that the President during his presentation said the Fisheries Ministry initiated twenty fishing boats, and as members of the assembly they demanded to know how those boats were shared, the amount of funds, and the types.
Member for Illiasa Constituency Hon. Dembo Camara also said the fishing sector is very productive if only the people know the value.
Hon. Camara urged youths of the country to engage in fishing because the sector is very productive. He queried that the majority of the country’s fishermen are foreigners “The youths should engage in the fishing sector.”
He said the aim and objective of the government in investing in the fisheries sector is to reduce irregular migration in the country.
However, “the government is ready to spend heavily on the fisheries sector and I think they are committed to addressing fishing issues in the country. We all know that President Barrow provided a conducive environment for the country which is a democracy,” he testified.
He went on to say that the government is doing what is expected and now Gambians are enjoying democracy today not like the previous regime.
A member of Upper West Fulladu, Hon Bakary Kora pointed out that most people think that the government didn’t want to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation and Reparation Commission, with the President’s speech last week, “I believed it has now sent a signal to the public.”
Parliamentarian Member for Sami, Hon Alfusainey Ceesay said the Minister of Fisheries should provide safe drinking water to the public if not the image of the government will be tarnished. “We are not saying the government didn’t provide safe drinking water to the public but more needs to be done.
In rural areas, the issue of safe drinking water is an issue that should be addressed by the government as urgent, “People need safe drinking water” he emphasized.