Minister Sowe hails NGOs & CSOs as partners in development

“My Ministry will work closely with them in the development and service delivery of this great country. We will work together in enhancing our cooperation and engaging each other for the betterment of the country,” Minister Sowe said in an interview with The Point.

The government of President Barrow, he said, is committed to bringing the much needed developments to the door steps of every Gambian irrespective of wherever you are, saying: “The government will continue to play its leading role in the socio-economic development of the country.”

The Ministry of Lands, he said, will work closely with the NGOs and CSOs so that “we complement each other’s efforts in bringing sustainable development for the Gambian populace, adding that the development and advancement of the country remain a top priority for his administration.

The Lands Minister further said the government would continue to provide good policies and programmes that are geared towards creating a conducive environment for NGOs and CSOs to operate with a view to ensuring that their partnership plays a vital role in supporting community-led development.

Minister Sowe added that he would continue to lead the reforms and restructuring at the Lands Ministry. “We will take the work of the Ministry to another level and most importantly the reform and restructuring, calibration and repositioning the Ministry as the premiere Ministry for Lands Regional Governments and Religious Affairs,”

Land administration and reforms, he continues, which include lands allocation will be quite high of the priority of his ministry in the interest of government, public, communities and the national transformational agenda of The Gambia.

He also thanked President Barrow for the trust and confidence bestowed on him, while promising to work with all stakeholders to reposition the ministry. “We will work with the regional governors and regional administration, chiefs, the alkalolu and Village Development Committees so that they become entry points for service delivery and development.”

“We will work on increasing religious harmony and tolerance between the main religious bodies in the country,” Minister Sowe posited.

President Barrow, who was speaking during the swearing in ceremony of Minister Sowe, said: “I want to congratulate the Lands Minister for taking up the challenge as the appointment comes with a great expectation. Barrow said the appointment of Sowe was a result of the utmost trust and confidence he had in him due to his experience and qualification and strong character.

“My decision to appoint Ousman Sowe was influenced by his experience, qualification, character and performance in government service. Since coming to office in 2017 as President, my engagement and interaction with now Minister Sowe has given me confidence that he is a man of substance and with a high degree of professionalism, resourcefulness, dedication to work and ability to get things done.”

"Land conflicts and related legal cases have been a major challenge for the country and there is a strong need to modernise land administration," Barrow said.