The
Ministry of Finance with support from the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), yesterday hosted a daylong donor conference at the Kairaba Beach Hotel
to discuss priority sectors of the National Development Plan.
The five-year strategic plan (2018-2021) is
meant to meet the aspirations of the New Gambia government in making the
country one of good governance and development.
Attended
by the development partners and World Bank representative, the major sectors
the plan seeks to tackle are agriculture, energy, infrastructure, security,
education, health and empowerment of youth and women.
Speaking
on the occasion, the Finance Minister, Amadou Sanneh, explained that the
National Development Plan is the vehicle to guide them through strategies and
actions on the economic and social challenges that have been inherited after 22
years of poor political and economic governance under the last regime.
The
template is to guide in delivering good governance, accountability as well as
revitalise a transformed economy, he said.
The
Finance Minister disclosed that the development plan followed inclusive process
from development partners, civil society, and community organisations on the
coalition manifesto of development priorities agreed by the cabinet.
He
further disclosed that the plan outlines top priorities like good governance,
human rights and security sector reform, macroeconomic stabilisation and
economic management, modernised agriculture, agribusiness and fisheries.
It
also outlined human capital health, education and social protection,
infrastructure and energy, tourism and culture, youth empowerment and
development and private sector development and trade.
According
to him, the meeting would give opportunity for transformative strategic areas
and investment programmes as well as enabling policies and measures to develop
a spur growth, reduce poverty, inequality, enhance youth employment and help
consolidate the democratic transition and gains.
He
said the national development plan would focus on achieving good result during
implementation, hence he commended the United Nations Development Programme for
their financial and technical support during the process.
Ms
Ade Mamonyane Lekoetjie, United Nations Resident coordinator, speaking on the
occasion, said the finalisation of the national development plan is the first
step in rebuilding The Gambia after facing challenges.
The
plan would articulate the opportunity to effectively manage resources and
strengthen policy amongst other sectors of the economy, she said.
She
assured that the UN system would support initiatives formulating the medium
term from 2018 to 2021 to accelerate growth and employment.
Madam
Lekoetjie outlined the government’s efforts in promoting democratic governance,
national unity and respect of the rule of law and human rights.
She
further assured that they and other development partners would support in
strengthening the plan and budgeting process to ensure no one is left behind,
especially the most vulnerable.
The
World Bank Country Director, Louise Cord, said the National Development Plan is
an important milestone in the development of The Gambia.
She
added that the World Bank is an institution to partner with The Gambia and
would support the government to achieve its development priorities as drafted.
