President Adama Barrow has announced that works on fish processing factories and storage facilities that would create more than 20, 000 jobs will begin in 2019. The fisheries plants would be built in the two leading fishing towns of Tanji and Brufut, in Kombo South and Kombo North, respectively.
Additionally, the President announced the construction of a feeder road that would connect all coastal communities from Brufut all through to Sanyang. Amid much fanfare and applause in Brufut, he also pronounced that the road from Brufut Gamtel to Ghana Town would soon be constructed as he is finalizing talks with a new construction firm to run a pilot project in Brufut. While expressing gratitude to the communities for the unconditional love shown to him since the beginning of his presidential aspirations, he said he was truly impressed with the grand-style welcoming organized for his arrival.
Detailing out the government’s plans for the fisheries sector, the Minister of Local Government and Lands explained that, out of the 20, 000 jobs to be created, Brufut would benefit from a fish value chain project that has the potential of creating more than 15,000 jobs. He added that a similar one in Tanji would create 6,000 jobs for the youth of the country.
Minister Drammeh further explained that the plants for Tanji and Brufut are fishery value-chain projects that would span from fishermen, off-loaders, marketers, factory workers, cold store workers, among others. He called for patience with the new government as they inherited power under the worst of situations, and still under two years in office.
The National Assembly member for the area, Baba Galleh Jallow, decried the lack of jobs for the youths in coastal settlements, with a rapidly increasing population density each year. He requested the government to assist the youths with fishing trawlers to engage in fishing and entrepreneurship.
Amie Bojang-Sissoho
Director of Press & Public Relations
Office of the President, State House, Banjul
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