(JollofNews) – Firstly, we welcome your ministry openness and willingness to engage Gambians on matters that concern the activities of your ministry. This is a commendable move and hope other ministries and other public institutions will emulate your ministry positive move.
As a concerned citizen, I was equally concerned when Hon. Interior Minister, Mai Ahmad Fatty said that our national treasury was emptied by the then President shortly before his exile exit to Equatorial Guinea. This undoubtedly created huge economic and financial challenges for our country’s economy.
The Barrow’s government therefore needs help from within and outside. This explained why our donor and development partners are willing to assist our country. But Hon Minister , Mai Ahmad Fatty, charity begins at home.
Our donor and development partners expect us to be financially disciplined and prioritize our country’s need in this trying times. It is on this note that the following matters arises as per the Interior Ministry recent activities, which are of great concerns to us and therefore want clarification on the following:
First In, First Out
- Interior Ministry Relocation to 168 Plaza on Berthil Harding Highway
1.1 What was the rationale for relocating your ministry far away from the other key ministries?
1.2 We would also want to have answers to the following questions:
1.2.1 How much does the complex cost the ministry to rent monthly/yearly?
1.2.2 How much does the Interior Ministry save monthly/yearly by relocating?
1.2.3 How does your ministry identify the new landlord?
1.2.4 Was your ministry’s relocation approved by the National Assembly?
- US$48 Million Investment in Forensic Lab
2.1 Who provides the US$48 Million funding?
2.1.1 Are there are any strings attached to the US$48 Million funding?
2.1.2 How much is the Gambia Government contributing towards the building of the Forensic Lab?
2.1.3 What are the anticipated short and long-term returns/benefits of this investment to the Gambia government and her people?
2.2 How was the contract awarded to the contractor?
2.3. Was the contract tender publicly to give opportunity to BOTH local and international bidders to express their interests?
2.4 Where are the US$48 Million funding deposited? For clarification matter: Which bank is the account open?
2.5 Did your ministry involved the Procurement Unit in the award of the contract?
2.6. Was Cabinet duly informed?
Submitted for your information and feedback, please.
Arona John
First thing first, a forensic lab is not our priority right now. Our situation cannot be compared with Rwanda or the DRC, nations that saw thousands of their people killed by genocidal war or ethnic cleansing. We just survived the horrors of a brutal dictatorship the perpetrators of which are living freely in our midst going about their normal lives pretending that they are also victims of Jammeh’s brutish regime. A careful analysis of the past could expose all these murderers. Instead of a forensic lab, we need schools, functioning hospitals and affordable food prices.
The writer brings up pertinent and pointed questions.
This is exactly the manner in which sensible discourse must be undertaken.
The Interior Minister, MAI FATTY, owes Gambians succinct and concise answers to these questions sooner rather than later? Otherwise, in the absence of a press conference on the foregoing questions, members of the legislature must engage Minister Fatty for answers.
Kudos to Arona John for raising these questions!!
Pertinent questions were not raised here. The art and language betrays the questions- poster’s show of impartiality. The questions unmasked his prejudice towards Minister Fatty and I don’t see why Fatty should answer to such inconsiderate questions.
He has to answer these questions simply because The Gambia is a democracy and thus every politician has to account for his/her decisions.
Fatty should be able to tell Gambians his relationship with Dr Tidiane Sy and why the health ministry is completely side lined from this project.