By Haddy Touray
Gambian leader Adama Barrow has called on the Municipalities and Area Councils, the National Road Authority, the National Environment Agency, and other relevant enforcement agents to work with the Government to keep our cities, towns, and communities clean.
In his nationwide New Year Message, he stated that private sector and civil society organisations remain close partners in development.
“As partners, we have to work hand-in-hand to complement our efforts. Let us solidify the partnership and support each other for the betterment of every citizen,” he noted.
He described Gambian women as partners and contributors to the economy, and his government will continue to support and empower them. “To benefit from Government support, we encourage interested persons to organise themselves and engage in productive projects. Government funds are for all citizens, male and female, but we must follow due procedure in whatever we do,” he said.
President Barrow disclosed that the new pay increases for civil servants and pensioners are meant to uplift the status of every Gambian, alleviate all sufferings, and ensure quality living standards for all Gambians.
“Through such incentives, we expect our public servants to be amply motivated to work efficiently and increase their productivity levels,” he added.
The Gambian leader admitted that a major setback in 2024 was the groundnut crop failure in some communities last summer. His government is providing support for the victims and asking for everyone’s assistance where feasible.
“Fortunately, sorghum and rice production has not been badly affected. It is hoped that, very soon, we will be able to produce sufficient rice for home consumption.
It is obvious, nonetheless, that our farmers must diversify their farming approaches, schedules, and produce, if we are to attain our agricultural production targets,” he stated.
He added: “Despite the global economic crises, we have successfully maintained the tariff for groundnuts. This is to ensure that the farmers’ purchasing power is not eroded in any way.”
