NAMs impressed with 2011 budget
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 Thursday, December 23, 2010
Members of the National Assembly have stated that they are impressed with
the 2011 budget presented before them recently by the minister of Finance,
Hon. Abdou Kolley. The members unanimously voiced this on Tuesday as they
wrapped-up the debate on the 2011 budget for the fiscal year 2010/2011.

The budget listed agriculture, education, health, infrastructure and tourism
as its priority areas in the course of the year. Speaker after speaker all
heaped praises on the minister of Finance for what they unanimously
described as a good budget.Hon. Lamin Jadama, NAM for Niamina West stressed
that they are particularly happy with the priority areas outlined in the
budget.  "Infrastructures, energy, transportation, Information Communication
Technology and the human resources capital development are also being
targeted in the budget which is very encouraging," he said.

The Niamina West NAM described agriculture as a very important sector.
According to him, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.5 percent for
2010 as reported was largely underpinned by the performance of the
agricultural sector hence the need for more investment in that very
important sector. He opined that investing in the agricultural sector will
help the country export more particularly if they are able to add value in
the agro-industry. Hon. Jadama concluded by questioning as to why the
private sector is seemingly dragging its feet in this laudable sector in
spite of government’s effort at creating the enabling environment.

For her part, Hon. Haddy Nyang-Jagne, the NAM for Jeshwang Constituency
spoke about the importance of the budget to the socio-economic development
of the country. She also underscored President Jammeh's resolve and
commitment in putting in place sustainable policies and programmes aimed at
improving the welfare of all Gambians and non-Gambians alike. "It is
gratifying to once again listen to government’s resolve and commitment in
the budget strategy and priorities for 2011," she said. She quoted page 14
of the budget, which reads thus,"the 2011 budget like the previous year's
budget places emphasis on aligning expenditures to priorities that best
support the achievement of the PRSP-II and MDGs as well as other activities
that will stimulate economic growth and development".

Momodou LK Sanneh, the minority leader and member for Kiang West, like the
previous speakers, described the 2011 budget as a job well done and well
presented. He also quoted page 14 of the budget statement, which highlighted
the enhancement of agricultural production. He said this portion underscored
that agriculture is indeed a very important sector in the development of the
country. He pointed out that 75 percent of Gambians are farmers and they
depend on nothing but agriculture. "As a result, the government of the day
considers agriculture as the most important sector and I think this is a
move in the right direction," he said.

Commenting on education, Hon. Sanneh said the Ministry of Basic and
Secondary Education is doing extremely well for the development of Gambian
children. "The policy directions of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary
Education is practically helping them and apart from the budget allocation
the government provides for them, more funding from international donors are
being encouraged," he said.

The minority leader however expressed dissatisfaction with the way and
manner in which some of the mixed farming centres in the country are being
managed. Hon. Lamin Bojang, NAM for Kombo East also thanked the Finance
minister and his technocrats for the work done on the 2011 budget. He said
that the government of the day has made tremendous imptovements in the areas
of infrastructure, education, health and agriculture amongst others.

Other members that contributed during the debate included Hon. Kanaji Jawla,
NAM for Sandu; Hon. Borry Colley, NAM for Foni Jarrol; Hon. Bafaye
Saidykhan, NAM for Jarra East; Hon. Sidia Jatta, NAM for Wuli West; and Hon.
Sellu Bah, NAM for Basse.
Author: *by Musa Ndow & Haddija Jawara*


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GOD BLESS SHEIKH PROFESSOR ALHAGIE YAHYA AJJ JAMMEH*
*(PRESIDENT FOR LIFE.)*
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*GOD BLESS THE GAMBIA*
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*GOD BLESS APRC*
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*DOWN WITH THE FAILED OPPOSITION *


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