Jabou, Dave and others, The role of Government in allocating land to private investors is an important issue which needs to be addressed urgently. I have very little time these days as I wrap-up my affairs at the AfDB to start a new professional life. As soon as I have some free time, I will comment on this issue and the implications of having to abort TAF's project for the second time running. I am concerned about the impact that the current dispute will have on investor confidence in The Gambian economy which is already very low. I must say that Shelter Afrique's Management and Board must be wondering what is going on in Banjul since they are part-financing the project. Dr Jeng and others have outlined the land tenure system in The Gambia wh ich is a good starting point. While I appreciate the concerns expressed by the Manneh Kunda Kabilo of Brufut, I am also concerned about the net effect of these disputes. First it was Bakau and now Brufut. The much talked-about decentralisation of provincial administration, first mooted in the mid 80s must be given top priority by the Department of Local Government which, if properly implemented, will obviate the need for constant central government intervention on issues that are purely local in nature. Cheers! Sidi Sanneh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------