The Foni Development Association in collaboration with the Department of Forestry and other development partners recently embarked on a massive tree-planting exercise at the Somita-Ndemban community forest park.
The gesture was a show of solidarity, and for promoting unity among the two communities through addressing environmental problems.
It would be recalled that the communities of these villages had a difference, until the President asked them to reconcile and work together.
As a result, the Foni Development Association deemed it appropriate to organize a tree planting exercise at the community forest park.
Speaking at the exercise, Lamin Sanneh, the Governor of West Coast Region who was himself on the ground participating in the tree planting, expressed delight to see the two communities coming together to work.
“Solidarity is the foundation of any human progress; therefore, their unity today has started yielding dividends,” said Sanneh.
Governor Sanneh went on to thank the Gambia government for its timely intervention, to ensure that their difference were resolved amicably. Mr Sanneh urged the two communities to continue to share activities and work as a team to achieve the development aspirations of their villages.
The chief of Foni Bondali, Bakary Badjie, expressed similar sentiments and his appreciation of the association’s initiative.
He added that the tree planting help will bring unity among the two communities. He then used the opportunity to encourage the youths to continue their cooperation, and create more activities for the two villages.
Amulu Nyas, who spoke at length on the need for this type of solidarity, said at the level of the youths their association will continue to work with all other youths within Foni for the development of the region. He also used the opportunity to thank the GTA for sponsoring the event.
Sunkary Badjie, chairman of Brikama Area council, who also doubles as the ward councilor of Somita expressed delight with the reconciliation move.
Chairman Badjie also advised the people in the two communities, particularly youths, to forget about the past and open a new chapter.
