By Dawda Baldeh

The Cement Importers’ Association has accused the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment of favouritism following the recent increase in import duties on cement.

They allege that the hike is designed to benefit local bagging operators like Jah Oil, Salam, and Gacem by obstructing the importation of cement by road from other African nations.

The association contends that this move is contrary to The Gambia’s pledge to foster intra-African trade and that this policy will lead to increased cement prices and a diminished supply.

They argued that the local bagging operators have limited capacity and do not actually produce cement, while consumers prefer African-made cement.

Additionally, the shelf life of the cement imported by the bagging operators is less than 30 days, compared to the Senegalese cement with a 90-day shelf life.

The association also raised concerns about the broader industry and economic impact of the policy.

They believed that it would lead to job losses, reduced tax revenue, and higher transport costs for Gambian exports.

They argued that the policy puts the Gambia at risk of supply chain shocks and potential trade conflicts with Senegal, which is an important trading partner.

The association criticized the lack of transparency from the bagging operators, highlighting their exemption from import duties and other taxes.

They claimed that the recent increase in import duties will lead to job losses and accuse Jah Oil of importing employees from Mali to run their operations.

The association concluded by calling for the resignation of the Minister of Trade, Baboucarr Joof, whom they accuse of favouritism and incompetence.

They argued that his policy prioritizes the interests of a single individual, Hamidou Jah, over the economic well-being of Gambians and undermines the government’s commitment to local employment, small businesses, and a fair market.

They called for the resignation of the trade minister citing incompetence.

The Fatu Network has contacted the Ministry of Trade through its Communication Officer’s office for a response to the allegations, and they have promised to get back once they have details of the Cement Importers’ Association’s press release.

By: Alieu Jallow

As The Gambia kicks off the 2024 population and housing census, the Statistician General of the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, Nyakassi Sanyang, has called on Gambians’ cooperation in ensuring a successful census. Speaking to our reporter, SG Sanyang outlined that if people fail to cooperate with their enumerators, it will affect the data quality and result in under-reporting, which will have an impact on policy and decision-making processes. This could jeopardize the country’s desired goals and development programs, both locally and internationally.

“It is a very important exercise, and a lot of resources are being put into this. These resources could be directed towards other development areas. So, let us know that regardless of whether you are pro-government or anti-government, any government that comes in will rely on this information. This is a national duty, and we call upon everybody to respond to this call,” he appealed.

The year 2023 was designated for the conduct of another census by default. However, this exercise failed to take place, which, according to the Statistician General, was due to the transition from manual to digital census, requiring comprehensive preparation. Similarly, he cited the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that the government was more focused on mitigating the impact of the pandemic, thus giving little attention to the census.

“A digital census requires a lot of resources that need to be put in place before the actual census. Since it’s the first time, in fact, we were not fully prepared in terms of knowledge. We didn’t have adequate knowledge at the beginning of exactly what was supposed to happen. So, by the time we started doing things, we realized that there are a lot more things to be done, and these delays the conduct of the population census,” he outlined.

There were widespread complaints from participants in many training centers, with most participants indicating that the quality and quantity of food given fell below standards, resulting in others experiencing stomach abnormalities. These concerns were acknowledged by Mr. Sanyang, who distanced GBOS’ direct responsibilities in handling the feeding of participants. Meanwhile, as the body responsible for implementing the general conduct of the census, he gave assurance of engaging relevant stakeholders to look into the issue of food.

“We have received many queries from centers about the food quality and quantity, and their concerns are noted. We will report these feedbacks of the trainees, and I’m sure they will take action,” he affirmed.

This is the first time the country is embarking on a digital census, shifting away from the old paper method of recording details. The Statistician General assures Gambians of timely reporting of the census and equally provides them the opportunity to correct and regulate any errors made in the field and tabulate the enumerated figures daily.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The community of Bush Town in the Central River Region, North, has been compensated with a state-of-the-art Eco-lodge Center to serve as a source of revenue generation for preserving their forest. The center, constructed under the Global Environment Facility (GEF 6 project) through the National Environmental Agency, aims to enhance biodiversity conservation across the country through ecosystem restoration and the expansion of protected areas such as forests.

Speaking to journalists at the project site, Njaga Touray, Deputy Executive Director of the National Environmental Agency and the Focal Point for the GEF 6 project, said an assessment of different areas across the country was conducted, revealing that Bush Town has one of the best forests in the country. “The forest is intact, and there is no coal production or cutting of trees. Inside the forest is just marvelous. It has different pieces of beautiful wildlife, including birds that can attract tourism to the country,” he said.

When questioned why the project built the Eco-lodge in the community, Mr. Touray responded, “This is to motivate the community to preserve their forest and find an alternative source of income without cutting down trees.” He further explained that the forest is thick and green, making it an attractive place for visitors who love to explore the beauty of nature.

Emphasizing the significance of the center, Mr. Touray stressed that conservation is only possible when there is a benefit. “This is why we built this eco-lodge for the community so they can benefit from preserving their forest, and any money generated from this center will remain in the community,” he added.

The forest is divided from the upland by a waterbody that stretches across, giving it a beautiful view. Project officials also revealed plans to build a bridge to provide easy access to the forest for visitors. Additionally, they mentioned plans to construct watchtowers and resting places in the forest for visitors.

The residents of Bush Town also expressed profound gratitude to the GEF 6 project for constructing the Eco-lodge center as an alternative source of revenue and vowed to continue protecting the forest from any man-made harm.

By: Alieu Jallow

Following a publication by The Fatu Network on a widow, Jamie Jallow, who is enduring the burden of raising and supporting her four children after the loss of her firstborn, Ebrima Jallow, to a violent thunderstorm in June 2020 and her husband to a long illness five months later, followers from home and abroad have expressed concern and empathy for her. Some have sent their support to help ease her burden.

While delivering some of the donations made by our followers to her, Jamie Jallow expressed her gratitude to the donors, underscoring how the support will go a long way in helping her feed her family.

“I cannot say much as my heart is full of joy. I realize that there are still good Muslims around who empathize with me. I ask that the Almighty Allah reward you abundantly. I will cherish this gesture forever. I want to thank The Fatu Network for amplifying my voice; this help could not have come without your intervention.”

Jamie is not only facing challenges in feeding and raising her children but also in housing. She lives in a dilapidated single room with her kids, with the kitchen right at the entrance. The smoke from the kitchen is directly emitted into the house, which is having some health effects.

Two years ago, a member of the community in Sohm village gave her a piece of land for her and her children to call their own, but due to her inability to finance a house, the land remains unused. She appeals for support to erect at least a two-bedroom house to give her children a comfortable place to live.

“I am grateful for the support from your followers, but I would be very grateful if you could help me and my children achieve our dream of having a home. We have been living in a single room for over a decade now. My children are sometimes restricted in terms of doing certain activities.”

One of The Fatu Network’s followers in the UK said, “I’m a child of a single mother, so I understand what she’s going through. But Allah is still here. I just wish we, as humans and Muslims, were kinder towards each other. It’s not much, but I hope this little amount helps her with food for the time being. I pray that Allah, who provides, looks after Jamie and her children.”

Another emotional donor in Brikama couldn’t hold back her tears as she called on people to support the poor widow.

Many followers have expressed their support for Jamie, which will go a long way in helping restore her hope for life and build her psychological strength. She is still open for support as she dreams of living in a house that is hers.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Mayor of Banjul City Council, Rohey Malick Lowe, has secured new prospects for the citizens of Banjul through a membership agreement with the Institute of the Region of Europe (IRE).

This agreement marks Banjul as the first city in the subregion to gain acceptance into the IRE after extensive discussions.

The Gambia’s sole female mayor is in Austria for the 4GameChanger Festival 2024. During the festival, Mayor Lowe, who was invited to discuss Africa-Europe Relations, expressed that it presented a significant opportunity to seek benefits for the people of Banjul.

“I was requested to propose the future of Europe – Africa relations, especially in the area of gender equality,” she said.

She added: “I engaged in discussions on empowering women and youths, especially in the domain of agriculture.”

Mayor Lowe expressed enthusiasm as organizations with significant financial resources and capacity reached agreements with BCC to establish partnerships.

“Am happy to announce that Banjul is now a member of The Institute of the Regions of Europe after months of discussions and lobbying.

“This membership will open more doors for development projects to flow into our city,” she disclosed.”

She acknowledged that Banjul is the first African city to be accepted, and she also recognized her contribution, understanding that the council is currently facing challenges.

Mayor Lowe conveyed her deep appreciation to the President of the Institute of Regions of Europe and his team for their hospitality and for placing their trust in the city of Banjul.

The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) functions as a communication platform for regions, towns, businesses, investors, academia, and administrations, and it focuses on creating networks to advocate for regional and local interests.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Authorities have apprehended an accused online sex scammer who allegedly engaged in sexual activities with numerous Gambian girls, promising them an opportunity to travel to the United States.

According to a reliable source, the perpetrator pretended to be a Caucasian (white) American online to entice young girls into sexual activities with him here in The Gambia. He allegedly used a fake Facebook account of a white man to make promises of a trip to America in exchange for sexual favors.

It was discovered that the fake account was used to inform one of the girls that she would only be taken to America if she engaged in a sexual relationship with his Gambian associate (the perpetrator himself), so they could travel together as a couple.

The fake account then provided the girl with a local (Gambian) number, which, according to the Caucasian man, belongs to his associate in The Gambia. The girl proceeded to reach out to him.

This alleged sex scammer informed the girl that his Caucasian friend had informed him about her.

Alarmed by the suspicion of the scam, a plan was devised to catch the suspect, and the police were contacted. The alleged perpetrator was apprehended following a meeting with the girl at a residence where intimate relations were anticipated to occur.

During their interaction with the perpetrator, he allegedly dubiously informed the girl that if she did not engage in sexual activities with him, she would not receive the necessary documents to travel to America. Furthermore, he allegedly required her to have sexual relations with him three times daily to pass a certain test.

The matter was reported to, and is being handled by, the Sukuta Police.

By: Mama A Touray

During the president’s industrial tour at Sambuya, the general manager of G Farm, Ebrima Sima, highlighted the challenges faced by the farm.

G Farm operates within the poultry industry value chain, with a current capacity of 100,000 layers, 20,000 broilers, and a hatchery capable of producing 400,000 day-old chicks every month.

General Manager Sima, while addressing the challenges encountered by the poultry farm, said, “The main challenge we face has to do with the market, as a local poultry industry we are so constrained because we have lots of import of poultry products into the country both broilers, chicken, and eggs. When they come they are always with competitive price so we can’t sell at those prices because they are coming from multi-billionaire companies that can easily supply them at cheaper rates, whereas our costs will be much higher.”

Sima explained further that raw material is also a challenge as they cannot get most of the raw materials within the country such as corn, soya, amongst other raw materials.

He also told the press that they have a machine that produces 30 tons of feed a day, adding that they also supply the community day-old chicks and feed whereas they can grow chickens for four to five weeks and supply it to small-scale farmers.

He said after the production of the eggs, they sell it to hotels, supermarkets, and the local market as well.

Highlighting the importance of the President’s visit, he said the president came before and that his coming today to see how far they have grown shows that poultry farming is possible in The Gambia to help youth stay in the country.

He said they expect the president to take this visit as an opportunity to create more employment for Gambians as the farm is owned and run by Gambians.

He continued, “We want him to know our challenges and use it as an opportunity to help us expand it beyond what we have, if we can grow it to this level without support, I believe with his support we can have it bigger and support the industry.”

By Kebba Camara

Modou Sinyan, who began constructing structures on a plot in Bijilo — thereby blocking access to neighbouring compounds — has stated his intention to take legal action after the Physical Planning Department demolished his buildings, designating the area as a feeder road.

He said he acquired the land for his wife in 2016, with an Alkalo transfer from the Sukuta Alkalo and a sketch plan from the Physical Planning Department. He maintains that the land is not part of the feeder road and does not impede access to any compound.

“We were among the first to have land here. In fact, they call it Bijilo but this place is under Sukuta and [the] Sukuta Alkalo does not give lands like that.

“Physical Planning came here and demolished the place after working hours. I have all my documents and I will go to court to claim this plot again,” Sinyan said.

Ebrima Bojang, a land dealer who sold land to Mr. Sinyan, stated that the land is well-located and does not interfere with anything.

He mentioned that he has sold many plots in that area and that all the documents are in order. He also advised the complainant to lodge a complaint in court to reclaim the land.

It may be recalled that last month, Kebba Bojang, Eddy Saidykhan, Seedu Manneh, Yaya Jatta, and others filed a petition with the Gambia Physical Planning Authority claiming that Modou Sinyan had obstructed a road in Bijilo by erecting a fence, affecting access to several compounds. The Physical Planning Authority has since removed the fence.

By Alieu Jallow

In the face of life’s severe trials, Jamie Jallow endured the loss of her firstborn, Ebrima Jallow, to a violent thunderstorm in June 2020. The seventeen-year-old had gone to gather saba senegalensis, also known as weda or “kabba,” to help with the family’s finances since his father was ill and his mother was recuperating from a car accident. Tragically, while Ebrima was picking the “kabba” fruit from a tree in the nearby bush, a sudden lightning strike, followed by a severe thunderstorm, hit the tree he had climbed, leading to his untimely death.

Just five months after her husband, who had been battling a prolonged illness, passed away, Jamie was left to care for their four young boys, the youngest being only four years old. These family members were their sole support system.

Three and a half years following the loss of her eldest child and husband, Jamie finds herself reliant on the meagre income from producing charcoal, an occupation that subjects her to harmful conditions.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, Jamie, with tears in her eyes, shared the struggles of raising four children alone, especially with her current health not permitting her to continue with charcoal production. She is seeking assistance from the government, individuals, and philanthropic entities, whether in cash or kind.

“As am speaking [to you right now], I have nothing to feed my children. In fact, these days I am not feeling well, and I find it hard to feed them.

“All my kids go to school and [are] expected to pay some money at school plus their daily upkeep, so I am humbly seeking support to help feed my kids and pay for their school fees. Please help me out for I am in desperate need of your help,” she pleaded.

For years, Jamie has struggled to earn a substantial income from her charcoal-burning business, often seen walking to the nearby bush in the early hours to provide for her young children who are unable to contribute due to their age.

Any assistance given to Jamie will significantly improve her and her children’s lives.
Those interested in offering support can contact these numbers 3802391, +220 274 3275, or 266 1211.