The Governor of the North Bank Region has characterized the year 2024 as a successful period in the realization of development projects and programs.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan addressed VOICE in Kerewan as part of a media engagement to reflect on the achievements and challenges experienced throughout the year. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, the region has witnessed significant advancements.
Governor Saidykhan commended the youth for their exemplary performance at the recently concluded National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) 2024. He urged young people to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the government and other development partners, including youth matching grants from ROOTS and GIRAV, in addition to the women’s enterprise fund for agribusiness and other economic initiatives.
Saidykhan highlighted the construction of the Hakalang and Banni roads, which connect Salikene to Njaba Kunda, as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This initiative he says aim to enhance connectivity among communities. In relation to electricity expansion, he reported that substantial progress is being made across nearly all villages and expressed gratitude to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) for its consistent supply of electricity.
The Governor also noted that the establishment of standard health facilities in Salikene and Kisimajaw in Central Badibuand Jokadou by the Ministry of Health has markedly improved healthcare services. Furthermore, he acknowledged the construction of two maternity wards by the FABB Foundation at Farafenni General Hospital and Essau District Hospital, which will significantly enhance maternal and child healthcare.
Chief Momodou Chatty Cham of Upper Nuimi described the construction of the Hakalang Road as a remarkable achievement, noting its considerable impact on the movement of goods and services. He stated that the expansion of rural electricity supply will significantly affect the lives of residents, alleviating rural-urban migration and encouraging investments in socioeconomic development from both individuals and the private sector. Chief Cham called upon community members to maintain lawfulness and support the implementation of government development initiatives.
Chief Alagie Jagne of Central Badibu expressed appreciation to the government for the construction of the Njaba Kunda via Salikene to Banni road, describing it as essential. He asserted that upon completion, this road would enhance the timely provision of social services and healthcare. Chief Jagne lauded the inauguration of the standard Sheriff Mustapha Dibba Health Centre in Salikene, which greatly improves healthcare access for the inhabitants of Central Badibu and surrounding areas.
Although Chief Jagne recognized the government’s support for farmers, he also remarked on the unsatisfactory performance of groundnut and rice harvests and called for increased support from the government and development partners. With respect to animal welfare, he pointed out the provision of a cattle drinking point at Dobo as a testament to the government’s commitment to animal health. He urged individuals to safeguard grazing areas and abstain from bushfires, warning that those who violate this directive would face legal repercussions. Chief Jagne emphasized a zero-tolerance policy regarding bushfires in Central Badibu.