Interior Secy On Number of Registered Aliens, Naturalized Citizens

Following the opening of the National Assembly for the second legislative session, Mr. Ousman Sonko, the Secretary of State for Interior, has furnished members of the National Assembly with a detailed breakdown of the registered Aliens in the country for the fiscal years 2004-07.

Responding to a question by Hon. Baboucarr Nyang, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul South, as to the number of registered aliens for the fiscal years 2004-07, Mr. Sonko revealed that the total number of registered aliens for the period stands at 116,200.

Also responding to a supplementary question as to the number of applicants granted citizenship by naturalization since the coming into force of the 1997 constitution, he indicated that the total number of applicants granted citizenship by naturalization is 77.

As to what immediate plans his Department of State has to address the accommodation problem at Farato Police Station, a question posed by Hon. Saikou Susso, NAM for Kantora, the Interior Secretary of State noted that the said police station and staff residence are some of the many facilities earmarked for rehabilitation during the course of this year. "I wish to reassure the Hon. Member for Kantora and the august body in general that every effort is being made to improve the lot and conditions of the gallant men and women of the Gambia Police Force," he concluded.