Funded by ECOWAS Commission to the tune of over D9 million, the new DLEA rehab facility when completed will serve as a game-changer especially in helping drug addicts in providing proper facilities and services for the treatment, rehabilitation and after-care services.
However, the move forms part of the agency’s unrelenting efforts to not just build a centre but one that will instill hope, rebuild lives, restore dignity and safeguard the country’s gem, the youth folks.
Welcoming the gathering, Demba Ceesay, director general of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), gave a brief account of how the project came about.
“In 2018, the ECOWAS Commission agreed to support the Drug Law enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) to build a correction, rehabilitation and treatment center for victims of substance abuse disorders and other drug-related psychosis. In the ensuing couple of years, my predecessor and his team together with stakeholders from the Department of Social Welfare, Civil Society Organizations worked tirelessly by way of intense negotiations with ECOWAS for the realization of this project.”
However, he stated that due to unforeseen circumstances, the project could not take off as early as anticipated, not for their part, but due to other matters related to the onset of Covid-19, administrative and procurement challenges just to name a few.
“By the middle of 2024, ECOWAS Procurement and Drug Control divisions had finalized the terms of project by awarding the contract to a Gambian contractor, BM Associates. When I took over last July, my team made the necessary follow-ups that eventually landed to us to where we are today.”
DG Ceesay spoke about the agency’s resolve in ensuring that their approach to drugs and substance use disorders is public health oriented.
“Over the past few years, every effort has been made to encourage youths to abstain from drugs. However, that wouldn't stop the agency from bolstering its operations in our cities, borders and communities to ensure that those found wanting are made to account for their actions. Therefore, it is important to emphasise, in no uncertain terms, DLEAG will always step its supply suppression regime to address public concerns about drug abuse and illicit drug. We are committed to working with our security sector partners both at home and abroad combat drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and international organized criminal, networks.”
For his part, Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, described the event as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards addressing the growing challenges of mental health and substance abuse, which he observed, have become a pressing public health challenge.
The establishment of this rehab centre, he observed, is not just a physical structure, but a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families in addressing mental health issues including the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse.
Claude Kondor, political adviser to the ECOWAS Resident Rep in The Gambia, on behalf of the resident rep, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the initiative, which he described as “laudable”.
This project, he said, is a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s criminal justice system, recalling the country has gone through turbulent times and therefore there has been an exponential increase in crime rate including drug trafficking and abuse, robbery and other banditry vices.
However, he commended the country’ security forces for their swift response to curb the growing menace and arresting some of the perpetrators.
Other speakers include, Dr. Samba Faal, chairman DLEAG board and Mariam Jobarteh, contractor BM Associate.
