By: Isatou Sarr
Gambian leader Adama Barrow has encouraged Heads of State and Government of The Gambia River Basin Development Organization (OMVG), to demonstrate more commitment to sustain the organization as it will play a crucial role in the advancement of the economic performance of the member countries.
Barrow made this statement during the 11th Ordinary Session of the OMVG Heads of State and Government in Banjul on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The event witnessed the signing of Conventions of the Legal Status of the Kanyanga/Gega Rivers, Koliba/Corubal Rivers, and the Terms and Conditions for Financing the OMVG Common Works.
Recognizing the roles played by the founding fathers of the organization, President Barrow stated, ‘’Through their pioneering work, the late Presidents, Leopold Sédar Senghor, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, Ahmed Sékou Toure and Nino Vieira, live on, as we build on their efforts for sub-regional cooperation and integration. On our behalf collectively, I pay homage to them, in recognition of the historic role they played in creating and bringing together the OMVG family’’.
He called for concerted efforts to retain the success of the OMVG, stating that it has come a long way for it to fail because it is an economic booster for the member states.
‘’As outgoing Chairman of the Council of the Heads of State, I must draw attention to the huge amount of arrears owed by Member Countries. Our economic challenges are obvious, but we must demonstrate more commitment to the OMVG. The Organization has come a long way for us to let it fail. Crucially, its success will always have a positive impact on our economic performance. I urge my colleagues, therefore, that we guarantee the continuity of this unique sub-regional body by paying our contributions on time,’’ President Barrow urged.
President Barrow further added that it is an opportune moment to convene the Summit, noting that the electricity interconnection line for the four Member Countries is 99% complete. In addition, the construction of the Sambangalouhydroelectric dam is in high gear.
‘’Accordingly, we are thankful to the African Development Bank, the lead donor of the Energy Project interconnection, and all our formidable partners, for their invaluable support to the OMVG Energy Project and the implementation of the Integrated Development Master Plan (IDMP). We kindly request, however, that you consider increasing your technical and financial support for the speedy implementation of all the planned OMVG Projects,’’ he outlined.
‘’In the same vein, I encourage the OMVG Secretariat to explore innovative ways of accessing more donor funding to support their activities. Mindful of the serious financial challenges the Member States face, it is advisable that you make the best use of the Organization’s funds,’’ President Barrow cited.
