By Fatou Dahaba
The National Assembly of The Gambia unanimously adopted the report of the Select Committee on Regional Government, Ombudsman, and IEC on Thursday, endorsing recommendations to ensure a smooth and cost-effective Hajj pilgrimage for Gambians in the future. The report follows an inspection visit to Saudi Arabia by a parliamentary delegation led by Hon Sulayman Jammeh, aimed at evaluating arrangements for accommodation, feeding, transportation, and logistics for Gambian pilgrims.
The delegation, dispatched at the request of the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, visited Madina and Mecca to assess the preparedness of facilities and engage stakeholders involved in Hajj operations. The mission sought to ensure that services meet standards of comfort, safety, hygiene, and accessibility, aligning with the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
The committee’s report outlined several key recommendations to enhance the pilgrimage experience. It urged the National Hajj Commission to strengthen coordination with hotel management teams and the Gambian Consulate in Jeddah to streamline service delivery. Emphasizing the consulate’s strategic role, the committee called for its formal inclusion in future inspection missions to address on-the-ground challenges effectively.
To maintain high standards, the committee recommended continuous monitoring of food quality, transport logistics, and accommodation throughout the Hajj. It also proposed annual training and orientation programs for Hajj operators and guides to keep them updated on Saudi Arabia’s evolving regulations. Additionally, the committee advocated for robust collaboration between the National Hajj Commission and Hajj operators to ensure a successful pilgrimage.
The report highlighted the need for timely preparations, particularly for Gambian cooks, who should arrive early to work with Saudi catering services to prepare culturally appropriate meals. The committee also tasked the Ministry of Regional Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs with increasing the National Hajj Commission’s funding to support efficient operations, given the pilgrimage’s annual significance. It further urged Hajj operators to make early payments to secure accommodations closer to the Jamra in Mina, enhancing pilgrims’ convenience.
A structured feedback mechanism was also recommended to allow pilgrims to voice concerns, promoting accountability and improved service delivery. The committee expressed satisfaction with the overall preparedness for the 2025 Hajj, noting that inspected hotels in Madina and Mecca met required standards for hygiene, comfort, accessibility, and proximity to the Kaaba.
However, concerns were raised by the Gambian Consulate in Jeddah regarding their exclusion from early inspection and coordination processes. The consulate emphasized its institutional knowledge and proximity to operational responsibilities, advocating for formal inclusion in future preparations.
The National Assembly’s adoption of the report underscores its commitment to ensuring a spiritually fulfilling and logistically sound Hajj for Gambian pilgrims. By addressing gaps in coordination, funding, and service delivery, the recommendations aim to foster a seamless pilgrimage experience in the future, reinforcing The Gambia’s dedication to supporting its citizens’ religious obligations.
