Abdoulai G. Dibba
The donated rice from the People’s Republic of Chinese to the Government of the Gambia for onward distribution to the people, is yet to be distributed.
Apart from the 100 bags given to the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Clinic out of the first batch of 1308 tonnes (26160 bags) of rice which was delivered to government on 30 June 2017, no distribution has been done as far as the people are concerned.
However, this medium has been reliably informed that the rice has been moved from Banjul to Lower River, Central River and Upper River Regions, for onward distribution to the people. The North Bank and West Coast Regions and the Kanifing Municipality are yet to receive their share from this consignment.
“We have received our share but the modalities for the distribution are yet to be finalized. Once we know the modalities, the distribution will be done to the people,” CRR Governor Sulayman Barry told this medium.
“We are yet to receive our share of the donated rice,” the NBR Governor, Ebrima Dampha, on his part, told Foroyaa .
When contacted, the Coordinator of the taskforce responsible for the distribution of the rice, Musa Sonko, confirmed that the rice is yet to be distributed but was quick to add that the Central River, Upper River and Lower River Regions have already received their shares remaining the North Bank and West Coast Regions and the Kanifing Municipality, who are likely to receive their shares on Monday, (yesterday).
He noted that the reason why the distribution is not yet done is precisely that they are working on the modalities and once they are done with this, distribution will take place soonest.
Mr Sonko assured this medium that both the print and electronic media will be invited during the distribution to ensure transparency, as it is the key to good governance.
