The SIS boss was speaking on Saturday at Kanilai during a ‘Peacemaking and Fact Finding Mission’ in the Foni Kansala District of WCR amid “misinformation, misconceptions and claims and counter-claims” concerning attempts to relocate a water tank situated at the outskirts of Kanilai village.
“I can tell you all for certain that President Barrow holds no grudges or whatsoever against the people of Kanilai or any other community in the country. In fact, Barrow has always emphasised the need for the region (Foni) to witness rapid socio-economic development,” DG Sowe told the gathering.
Accompanied by the lawmakers of the area including traditional rulers, the SIS boss urged the people of the area to be open to dialogue, saying: “Our mission is to see what is the reality on the ground. I want to encourage an amicable dialogue with a view to strengthening the peace and stability that we continue to enjoy in the region and the country at large.”
DG Sowe, who is also a native of Foni, said: “The resolution is that let us dialogue and the government is going to talk with you. We don't need tension. What we should focus on is development. The world is moving and we also need to redouble our efforts in ensuring that the country matches other developed countries with tangible infrastructural development. The government is open; so let us talk and dialogue," he pleaded.
“All the information that has been shared about the tank in Kanilai is now clear to me and that all forceful actions will now be suspended for the engagements to start which will lead to a way out. The government will open up channels for discussion as dialogue leads to solving problems. Therefore, I encourage inhabitants of this area to enter into an amicable dialogue with the government,” he emphasised.
President Barrow, he said, has opened up avenues for dialogue on the matter, saying: “Even if the tank is relocated from Kanilai, something could be brought to the area which will be beneficial to the people of Foni.”
Sowe reminded the parliamentarians in the area and all those in authority in Foni of their responsibility in preaching peace and avoiding tensions in the country.
Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member (NAM) of the area, applauded DG Sowe for his “proactive action” in visiting Kanilai with a view to having firsthand information about the water tank issue.
“The water tank is a 600,000-liter tank which was installed by former President Yahya Jammeh at the outskirt of Kanilia for agricultural purposes and that two boreholes were dug next to the tank.”
“As lawmakers of the area, we have discussed with our ward councilors in order to work out some modalities of bringing together our constituencies and ward development funds which amount to D8 million annually. This yearly earmarked for keeping the tank running for the benefit of the entire Foni through a clean and potable drinking water which remains a challenge for the people of Foni.”
“We have approached NAWEC last year and proposed for the water tank to be fixed for use by the people of Foni. NAWEC promised to study our proposal and get back to us. However, we have been waiting for them but to no avail. We are open to dialogue, but what angered us is the fact that we were never informed or consulted before attempts to remove the tank.”
Other speakers included Honorable Amie Colley and Bakary K. Badjie, Chief Ali Nyassi and the Alkalo of Kanilai who all expressed their disappointed over the actions by government to remove the water tank without prior notification or engagement with the people of Foni and Kanilai in particular.
They, however, thanked DG Sowe for his timely visit which they said will go a long way in maintaining peace and stability in the area and reducing tension.
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