Rules For Brikama Fish Market Discussed

In an effort to enhance the participation and contribution of the fish retailers on the rules and regulations for proper utilisation of the new modern fish market, the Department of Fisheries and Agro-Fisheries Consultancy Company yesterday wrapped-up a two-day consultative meeting with prospective market users.

The forum held at the Regional Governor's Office in Brikama was attended by several fish traders in the area.

Addressing the participants at the start of the forum, Governor of Western Region, Mr. Lamin Sanneh commended the Japanese government for constructing the fist market at first instance. Governor Sanneh applauded the bilateral relations that exist between Japan and The Gambia, describing it as very cordial.

He hailed the Fisheries Department for their foresight for allowing the community set their own rules that will guide the operations of the market.

Director of Fisheries, Mr. Famara Dampha revealed that the sector will continue to occupy a centre stage in the development agenda of the government.

He further revealed that the sectors play a crucial role in the area of employment and provision of good nutrition for the populace, as well as addressing poverty.

The forum, he said, would enable beneficiaries discuss the management of the market.

Fisheries Director told the meeting that the Brikama Fish Market is the first of its kind in the country and was accompanied with technical assistance from Japan.

"Adequate training was also held for the stakeholders for the smooth operations of the new project," he said.

Mr. Ousman Mass Jobe, the Project Coordinator reminded the participants that when all fish retailers using the market finalised they would be required to observe the rules.

Registration of the prospective market users with the management committee, he said, will also be required. Maintaining the market clean was also emphasised by Mr. Jobe in his speech. He stressed that there would be no compromised with regards to regular cleaning of the market.

Similar remarks were made by Alhagie Demba Sanyang, Paramount Chief and Mr. Masami Tsuchiya, Chief Consultant for the market. He revealed that by January next year, the project will be handed over to the Gambian government.