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.