By Fatou Dahaba
Speaking during the State of Nation Address (SoNA), President Adama Barrow revealed that the Fisheries sector is a crucial contributor to The Gambian economy, accounting for 10% of GDP in 2022 and providing direct employment to over 30,000 people.
On Thursday, the President revealed this at the National Assembly premises in Banjul, saying the ministry is investing in the artisanal fisheries value chain to alleviate post-harvest challenges.
“With funds from the EU-Gambia Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, the construction of two fish handling platforms in Tanje and Gunjur, worth over ten million Dalasi, are ongoing to improve the hygienic conditions and durability of fish and fishery products.”
The President further states that the revenue realized in the sector from January 2022 to May 2023, D34 million was generated from landing, D83 million from licensing, and D30 million from EU support, amounting to D148 million.
He continued that under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, the European Union annually provides the fisheries sector with D30 million in Dalasi support.
From this, Barrow informed lawmakers D15 million Dalasi is to strengthen the sector’s sustainable management, conservation, and development.
He said the remaining D15 million Dalasi serves as financial compensation for access.
“Mr. Speaker, major reforms are progressing to lead to more efficient management of the country’s Water Resources, in conformity with Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles,’ He said while announcing that the Gambia Water Bill 2020 is ready for enactment to replace the National Water Resources Council Act of 1979.
