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-Kalala hoped that the fish catch assessment materials given to
the Department of Fisheries would enhance the reliability and effectiveness of
fish catch assessmentsto improve the availability of credible data and the
proper management of the fisheries resources. She reaffirmed 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.
FAO
press release