By Lamarana S. Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Bakary Y Badjie, accompanied by his permanent secretary, and other senior staff, recently toured sites where constructions of different projects under the ministry are underway.
The delegation visited the under-constructed youth office and conference room at the governor’s office, in the West Coast Region; NYSS farm in Nyanibarri; and the football mini-stadia in Kafuta, Bwiam and Kiang Manduar.
The West Coast Region Governor, Mr Ousman Bojang applauded the initiative to tour youth project sites and thanked the Ministry for the constructing of an office complex in the region.
At the Nyaniberi NYSS youth farm, Executive Director, National Youth Service Scheme, Mr. Emmanuel D. Mendy, took the delegation on a tour of the farm, where a perimeter fence of 300 by 300 is being constructed and a water supply system being installed. The delegation proceeded to the fish pond, the chicken farm and the mini stadia project sites.
Revealing his general impression about the projects, Minister Badjie acknowledged that some of these projects should have been completed since last year or the beginning of this year but that the delays are due to circumstances beyond control.
He stressed the need for completion of the projects, warning that the ministry cannot accept project implementation to drag without justification.
“I hope that these sporting facilities being constructed will contribute to the transformation and development of sports at the grassroots level,” he stated.
Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mr Marcel Mendy, expressed similar sentiments. He thanked the communities where the mini stadia are being constructed to exercise more patience and applauded them for the collaboration and support to the initiatives of the ministry.
Youth Coordinator for West Coast Region, Mariama Saine, said:
“Having the Ministry put together an office complex with modern conference room for youth is commendable; it serves as a motivation for all of us,” she noted.
The youth Coordinator went on to explain that these recreational centres will help reduce crime, promote professionalism, technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Regional Sports Coordinator, Awa Barry said as the rainy season is fast approaching and youth are gearing towards the Nawetan, getting these mini stadia done by mid-July will be a great relief to the youths of the region.
President of Kiang Julafarr Youth and Sports Development Association, Lamin Jadama recalled the time when football was entirely played on sandy or rough grounds in kiang.
He thanked the government of The Gambia through the Youth and Sports Ministry for providing such development in Kiang. He however appeals to the government to help with electricity and other developments for the football field.
Mr.Jadama called on the government to help provide a pavilion at the field to enable them watch football more conveniently, as well as a secretariat at the football ground for the Association.