By: Binta Jaiteh
Contracts of 21 staff of the Central Abattoir in Abuko have not been renewed by the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA).
Addressing journalists at a press briefing at Abuko Abattoir on Wednesday, the Manager of Abuko Abattoir, Maddy Kuyateh said that the time he came to the abattoir, the account was empty but through hard work and commitment, the situation has changed tremendously.
“At the beginning of 2024, I was given one-year contract by the Ministry. The Permanent Secretary assigned the principal assistant secretary Mr. Kanteh to appoint me together with other colleagues. To my surprise, on the 30th December, I received a letter from the DG again stating that my contract has ended,” he outlined.
He continued that on the 8th of January, another letter was sent to him by the chairman of the board of governors, stating that “our contract has ended but they are giving us two months to vacate the abattoir”.
“The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture appointed us. How can GLMA board write such a letter to end our contract without any consultation?” he stated.
Mr. Kuyateh expressed disappointment over the matter stating that if their contact has ended, it should be done judiciously not otherwise.
He explained that the Ministry informed them that government was looking for an investor for the Central Abattoir and it would not be proper for them to give him a contract beyond two years, adding that investors have been coming but the government didn’t agree with their terms.
Abdou Colley, chief revenue collector of the abattoir said he has been working at the abattoir for the past sixteen years.
“This matter is very serious and the people of the abattoir are ready to take legal action over this injustice. Since the change of government, we have been facing a lot of challenges. People do say that we are employed by the former President Yahya Jammeh. This is what we are facing since 2016 till date. Even if we are employed by Jammeh, we are Gambians,” he pointed out.
“We work from 6:00am to 9:00pm without transport refund. How can you fail to renew the contract of 21 staff, considering the current situation of the country? “he added.
