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Gambia News : Gambia promises quick resolution of hippo assault
The Gambia’s minister of Forestry and the Environment, Hon. Jato Sillah has promised the people of Bakadaji in Nianija District of the Central River Region that the government under the leadership of His Excellency, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Alh. Yahya AJJ Jammeh has heard their cry on the incessant attack of hippopotamus on rice farms in the area and other places, and that a solution would soon be proffered.
The minister said this during his nationwide tour of forest resources at the Bakadaji Forestry Station in Nianija while responding to a complaint raised by one Sarjo Sillah of Bakadaji who said that the local people are encountering huge losses in their women’s rice fields due to hippopotamus attacks. Sarjo Sillah further appealed to the minister and the government to help them address the issue.
Responding to the complaint, Hon. Jato Sillah said the government is aware of the problem of hippopotamus invading rice fields within the country. According to him, the president is genuinely concerned about this and the cabinet has discussed the issue. He then said that the issue will soon be addressed.
Honourable Sillah further said to the people of Bakadaji that all their concerns have been noted and his ministry and partners will do all they can to address the points raised. He described the people of Bakadaji as hardworking, noting that even the President has recommended them as hard working people.
Speaking earlier on the importance of protecting the country’s forest, Lamin Nyabally, permanent secretary in the ministry said the world has now realized the need to protect forests as the negative impacts deforestation can bring could no longer be waved aside. He also promised the community that they will address the challenges that forest park staff face in terms of transportation and welfare package.
Cherno Gaye, Forestry Regional Officer, Central River Region (CRR) said that there are many forestry stations in the area that do not have staff. According to him, the reason why the stations are not having staff is because there is no mobility and therefore even if staff is appointed at the stations, they will not be able to work. He said after the issue of mobility is addressed, staff will be appointed at the place.
Abdoulie Sanneh, director of Forestry said that the problem of staff and mobility lamented by the various forestry stations are well noted and they will strive towards addressing the issues. He said providing mobility facilities, especially motorbikes are a priority to the Forestry ministry. He also urged the communities to contribute immensely in protecting and preserving their forests as it belongs to them and not the government alone.
Allasan Cham, Chief for Nyanija described the Minister’s visit as a drive to improve the life of rural communities. He also spoke of the problems the community faces.
Ebrima Conteh, chairman of the Village Development Committee said that their community is blessed with many parks but the resources to preserve and protect the forest are minimal. He then appealed to government through the Forestry ministry for help noting that they cannot do it alone. He also appealed for a vehicle.
Speaking at another meeting in Jarumeh Koto at the Jarumeh Koto Forestry Station, Kebou Leigh, Chief of Sami District observed the need for caution in the felling of palm trees. According to him, people should respect the country’s Forestry Policy in their engagements with the forest. He said that the process of growing a palm tree, until it gets matured, takes a long period and therefore observed the need for the palm trees to be protected because if they are all cut, it will take a long time to grow other palm trees.
Cherno Gaye, the Regional Forestry Officer said that the Jarumeh Koto Forestry Station was benefiting from a project under the sponsorship of some Westerners and observed that since the departure of the Westerners, the operation of the park is lacking. He further urged the people of the community to protect the forest. Gaye also emphasized the need for forestry officers in the rural areas to be promoted regularly noting that officers at the rural areas are always forgotten during promotions. In responding to Mr. Gaye, the director of Forestry, Abdoulie Sanneh said that the Forestry ministry will consider his appeal for promotion of rural staff.
4365 times read
(Posted on May 12, 2010, 3:41 PM mr saidy)
- Running away will not solve the problem my brother would have stand and make friends with the readily made meat.
(Posted on May 7, 2010, 5:49 PM Anthony Sambou)
- Did he survive d chase?...Why the camera man did not help...instead of taking the picture!
(Posted on May 7, 2010, 7:21 AM Mr Bless)
- I hope brother got away from this raging bull. I think they have a speed of 25-30 mile per hr. Yeap you are correct it is very funny pic. lol
Now we as Gambians are caught in the middle: Preservation of nature, survival, or co-habitation.
(Posted on May 2, 2010, 11:25 PM Abdou R Jobe)
- LMAO,
sorry i know it is a serious matter, but that picture is so funnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnny
(Posted on May 1, 2010, 11:28 AM Mischa)
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