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Mrs Mariatou Njie,AFAOR and Head of Progs presenting
items to
Minister Pa Ousman Jarju(Photo credit: ©FAO/Amadou Bah)
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The Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 28 December handed over fishing gears
worth over GMD4.7m to 12 communities and the Fisheries Department at a brief
ceremony held in Banjul. The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and
Natural Resources Pa Ousman Jarju who presided over the event received the
donation on behalf of the target beneficiaries.
The assistance comprises
ten fishing boats (7 fibre and 3 wooden), ten 15 horse power (15HP) out board
engines, fishing nets with accessories and life jackets for 10 communities
and Fish catch assessment materials for the fisheries department procured by
a two-year FAO Funded Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).The ten
beneficiary communities are Banjul, Old jeshwang, Tanji, Barra, Albreda,
Bintang, Tendaba, Kanikunda, Wassu and Bwiam. The communities of Bansang and Kemoto also received
three fishing boats, three 15HP outboard engines, life jackets and fishing
nets with accessories funded by FAO Tele-food projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jarju
commended FAO for the gesture and for its consistent and remarkable support
to The Gambia. He explained that the assistance was demand driven and
challenged the beneficiaries to put the items to good use and ensure sustenance
of the intervention. Minister Jarju also told the beneficiaries that their
activities will be closely monitored by the Fisheries Department for the
benefit of both the present and future generations.
In
a statement delivered on her behalf by her Assistant and Head of Programmes
Mrs Mariatou Njie, The FAO Country Representative expressed optimism that the intervention will
contribute to improved food and nutrition security, employment and wealth
creation for poverty reduction and socio-economic growth and sustainable
utilization of natural resources. Dr.
Perpetua Katepa-Kalalahoped that the Fish catch assessment materials given to
the Department of Fisheries will enhanced the reliability and effectiveness
of fish catch assessmentsto improve the availability of credible data and the
proper management of the fisheries resources. Shereaffirmed FAO`s continued
support to The Gambia in the quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
in Agenda 2030.
Delivering the vote of thanks on
behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Babou Cham of Banjul Fish Landing Site
lauded the government and FAO for the assistance. He called for the judicious
utilization and management of the materials.
Mr. Matarr Bah, Director of
Fisheries and Mr. Biram Faye, National Coordinator of the TCP for the Development
of the Artisanal Fisheries in The Gambia both underscored the significance of
the support. They advised the beneficiaries to strictly adhere to fisheries
laws and regulations at all times.
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