Hon. Manjang made the remarks recently at Kossemar ecolodge in Upper River Region as her ministry embarked on its quarterly trek to visit various project intervention sites.
The primary objective of the trip was to gain first-hand insight into the ongoing projects and initiatives undertaken by the ministry to address issues across the regions.
She highlighted that climate change is real and we are all feeling its effects. She therefore called for the need to take the bull by the horn and respond so that we can build our resilience and adapt to it.
She went on to call for the respect of laws and regulations that are set by authorities so that all of us together can benefit.
“No matter how much we have achieved, Gambians need more from us. We have been lacking for so long. From colonial time to date we have not been enjoying the freedom of independence. We collectively have to do more to attain our full independence which is the socio-economic, political and economic independence. We can only do that if we create jobs and respect ourselves the way we should. We should be able to compete with our neighbouring countries in terms of development. We need to preserve our forests. The trees are life for us and we will not compromise with anyone who destroys them,” the environment minister said.
She expressed delight with ongoing work at Kossemar ecolodge and commended the Large Eco-System Base Project (EBA.) She said that she hoped that the ecolodge would be properly managed.
“We will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that they are sustainable and provide employment and serve as a source of alternative and boost our tourism sector,” she stated, noting the the ecolodge will help preserve the environment.
However, minister Manjang called on the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, and other relevant sectors to ensure there is electricity, water and road accessibility to boost the importance of the structures.
“In as much as we have beautiful structures and there is no electricity and water, then it reduces their value,” she observed.
She further said that she hoped that the after effect of the Kossemar project would be celebrated by the community and country as a whole.
Dr. Malanding Jaiteh, project manager of the Large Eco-System Base Project (EBA), said the ecolodge in Kossemar is a 70 million dalasi project.
He said the project started in 2022 and the first phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
He expressed delight with the project he said it would really be of help to the community. He added that the project will also attract tourists.
