The
community of Old Yundum in partnership with their market vendors and catchment
areas Sunday celebrated the coalition’s victory in last year’s presidential
election.
The celebration was in the form of a massive
set-setal around the market and its surroundings, with the aim to reduce
malaria and other environmental diseases.
It
also availed the Brikama Area Council to discuss issues affecting the women at
the market and carve the way forward.
Speaking
at the meeting, Ndey Joof, chairperson of Old Yundum Market Women, expressed
profound gratitude on behalf of the Old Yundum community.
The
celebration was to show solidarity with the new government under the presidency
of Adama Barrow and his coalition members, she said.
“We
congratulate them for their victory in the last December 1 presidential
election and, by extension, for their cooperation and team work by ensuring
that they effected positive change and restored democracy and human rights in
the country.”
She
also highlighted some of the constraints the women are facing in the market,
such as lack of a dumpsite at the Old Yundum Market, water, a watchman and
toilets.
The
lack of such facilities in the market poses a great concern for the vendors,
and they want the Brikama Area Council to urgently address these issues of
concern.
According
to her, the vendors are paying their taxes every day, and these facilities were
not provided for them.
Also
speaking at the meeting was one Hawa Bah, a market committee member, who
commended the Alkalo of Old Yundum for opening an office for the local people
to meet for meetings and to share ideas and concerns.
She also advised the community to continue the
cooperation and called on the BAC to come to their aid, as they are paying
their dues every day to the council.
The
permanent secretary Ministry of Environment, Lamin Jawara, also thanked the women
of Old Yundum for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring sound
environmental cleanness in their market.
He
advised them to continue with the spirit of unity and cooperation, while
assuring them that efforts are under way to address their concerns.
Hon.
Hamat Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture, expressed his appreciation for the
commitment of women not only in Old Yundum, but the whole country.
He said women of the country are putting more
effort in all areas, particularly on domestic matters.
The
Tourism minister assured them that their concerns would be solved by voting in
the right candidate in the upcoming parliamentary election.
