By: Alieu Ceesay
The National Assembly of the Gambia adopted the report of the Standing Committee on Public Enterprises Tour to state-owned enterprises, including the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Social Security, Housing and Financial Cooperation (SSHFC), and Gambia Radio and Television Service ( GRTS), on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
According to the Committee, the tour is meant to gather firsthand information on the state of affairs of these institutions so that the scrutiny of these state-owned enterprises can guide it.
The Committee stated that the GRTS, as a State broadcaster, should be equipped with modern equipment to support its activities, adding that the oldest television station needed specialized trained staff and mobility.
The Committee suggested that “GRTS should procure digital equipment to fast track its digitalization process.”
They also emphasized the need for the state broadcaster to develop strategic and innovative business ideas to maintain its relevance and enhance its visibility in the digital space.
Equally, parliamentarians such as Foni Bintang Karani Bakary Badjie, Busumbala Muhammad Kanteh, and Kiang West Lamin Ceesay called on the government to invest in GRTS, saying that the D 40 million media budget should be centered on such.
They quizzed, “Before the government gives D40 million to the private media, why not invest it in state-owned media?”
In 2021, the National Assembly approved the Supplementary Appropriate Bill amounting to D36M.
According to Committee reports on GRTS, these funds were used in elections activities and were used to purchase Four pickup vehicles, a mobile studio, digital cameras, and nine transmitters,” GRTS Director-General Abdoulie Sey told the Committee during the tour.
Meanwhile, on the National Water and Electricity Company, the Committee recommended that NAWEC ensure that there is functional chlorination in all Water treatment facilities. The Committee further stated that NAWEC should provide basic technical training for its staff, especially for those in the province, to equip them with basic skills and the ability to do basic maintenance when needed.
Fatou Cham, a NAM for Sanimentaring, cited, “Armed securities should protect NAWEC Water treatment facilities for safety purposes.
Meanwhile, at Social Security Housing and Financial Cooperation, the Committee recommended that the SSHFC fast-track the implementation of the Social Security Management Information System to ensure timely, accurate assessment of contributions and payment of benefits.
