Minister Aboubacarr Ousmaila Joof while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, attended by different dignitaries including a representative of the LRR governor, chairman Mansakonko Area Council, Members of Parliament, VDC chairman, permanent secretaries, imams and community elders among others, rated lumos as important market centers in the country that are helping to integrate “our border communities.”
Considering the importance of lumos in promoting cross-border trade, he said his Ministry identified the modernisation of lumos across the country as a key priority in the development of domestic trade. Consequently, the need to develop a domestic trade strategy was eminent.
The minister hailed the ECOWAS Commission for their foresight in initiating the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (2023-2027) which aims at strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation among border communities and promote their socio-economic development.
“We must thank the Commission for their generous support to this project at the tune of US$100,000 which made it possible for us to gather here today. In addition, I want to thank the management staff of my ministry, Mansakonko Area Council, and National Assembly Member for Jarra East and the Village Development Community of Wellingaraba for their unwavering support and commitment to this project,” Minister Joof expressed.
He said that the teamwork demonstrated so far in the construction and modernisation of the Wellingaraba Lumo has been excellent, while encouraging them to maintain the same spirit throughout the execution stage of the project.
He noted that the project was borne out of a vision that emanated from a pronouncement he made to his team during his familiarisation tour of borders and community markets following his appointment.
“I am grateful to my team for picking that declaration up and making it a reality under the coordination of my PS Mr Lamin Dampha and the perseverance of the Regional Integration and Planning teams. I, therefore, use this opportunity to thank the Government of The Gambia and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for their contributions to the project.”
He applauded the Mansakonko Area Council for the quality of their proposal which made it possible for the community to win the first MoTIE-sponsored Lumo Modernisation Crusade despite stiff competition from other centers.
The project, he noted, holds the promise of not only boosting domestic trade and integration but also elevating the standards of living of traders and vendors. “It is meant to facilitate cross-border trade and foster stronger ties between our cross-border communities. The project strongly aligns with the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to promoting Trade, Regional Integration, and market connectivity through the construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure across the country,” he emphasised.
Also, the “government has already committed to supporting the replication of this initiative in all lumo centers while prioritising those conducted on main highways posing a threat to lives and properties. The project will host facilities that promote health and hygiene, preserve unsold vegetables, and promote security of goods and peoples,” he explained.
He noted that for far too long, local communities have been grappling with the challenges of limited access to modern market facilities. Traders and vendors have persevered in adverse conditions, often lacking the infrastructure and resources necessary to conduct their businesses effectively.
“But today marks the dawn of a new era. With the construction of the Wellingaraba lumo market, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for those heroes who lubricate the wheels of economic activities – one characterised by economic empowerment and inclusive growth," he said.
He admonished them not to rest on their laurels but to increase their efforts to ensure that the construction of the project is completed within the stipulated time, while the consultant is being urged to be vigilant by ensuring quality work is delivered at all times as this should be one of the legacies of HE Adama Barrow as President of the Republic.
Mr. Lamin Dampha, the permanent secretary of MOTIE, the NAM for Jarra East Constituency, alkalo, chief, and ward counsellor of Wellingaraba among others made remarkable speeches.
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