Matters Arising – Hon. Interior Minister Mai Ahmad Fatty
Firstly, we welcome your ministry’s openness and willingness to engage Gambians on matters that concern the activities of your ministry. This is a commendable move and hope other ministries and other public institutions will emulate your ministry’s positive move.
As a concerned citizen, I was equally concerned when Hon. Interior Minister, Mai Ahmad Fatty said that our national treasury was emptied by the then President shortly before his exile exit to Equatorial Guinea. This undoubtedly created huge economic and financial challenges for our country’s economy. The Barrow government therefore needs help from within and outside. This explained why our donor and development partners are willing to assist our country. But Hon Minister, charity begins at home. Our donor and development partners expect us to be financially disciplined and prioritize our country’s needs in this trying times. It is on this note that the following matters arise as per the Interior Ministry’s recent activities, which are of great concern to us. We therefore want clarification on the following:
First In, First Out (FIFO)
- INTERIOR MINISTRY RELOCATION TO 168 PLAZA ON BERTHIL HARDING HIGHWAY
1.1 What was the rationale for relocating your ministry far away from the other key ministries?
1.2 We would also want to have answers to the following questions:
1.2.1 How much does the complex cost the ministry to rent monthly/yearly?
1.2.2 How much does the Interior Ministry save monthly/yearly by relocating?
1.2.3 How does your ministry identify the new landlord?
1.2.4 Was your ministry’s relocation approved by the National Assembly?
2. $48 MILLION INVESTMENT IN FORENSIC LAB
2.1 Who provides the $48 Million funding?
2.1.1 Are there any strings attached to the $48 Million funding?
2.1.2 How much is the Gambia Government contributing towards the building of the lab?
Forensic Lab?
2.1.3 What are the anticipated short and long-term returns/benefits of this investment to the Gambia and her people?
2.2 How was the contract awarded to the contractor?
2.3. Was the contract tendered publicly to give opportunity to BOTH local and international bidders to express interests?
2.4 Where are the $48 Million funding deposited? For clarification matter: Which bank is the account open?
2.5 Did your ministry involve the Procurement Unit in the award of the contract?
2.6. Was the Cabinet duly informed?
Submitted for your information and feedback, please.
Arona John
Concerned Citizen and President Barrow’s Government Supporter
Ends