The Daily Observer (Banjul)
27 April 2011
editorial
Realities revolving round The Gambia becoming a beacon of hope, a well developed nation and a shining example worthy of emulation within the sub-region and beyond has been illustrated in the recent laying of a foundation stone for yet another multi-billion dollar development project in the country.
This rare project, as pointed out by the development-oriented Gambian leader -President Jammeh, and officials of the Lacasa Architect and Engineering consultant, upon completion will stand to provide over 10,000 job opportunities for Gambians youths, which makes the whole project more important and timely, bearing in mind the sad and unforgivable realities relating to the perilous sea journeys embarked on by our youths to the so-called greener pastures in Europe and the Americas.
The laying of the foundation stone of the project is indeed another clear manifestation of the commitment, determination and highly placed resolve by the Gambian leader to take The Gambia where it ought to be in accordance with development realities tenable in the 21st century. It is also interesting to note that the entire project will use renewable energy as a source of energy powering their operations without or with little use of fuel. This development is inline with the vision and mission of the development programme of the government of The Gambia, especially on preservation and conservation of our environment as indicated in the establishment of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and other environment-related issues in the country.
The leadership has done their part and it is now left for the youths of the country to respond to the challenges posed to them and take ownership of the country’s development efforts through effective and efficient engagement in the entire operations of the project right from the start to the end. Benefits of the project should not be left to go into the hands of outsiders as has been the case with numerous other similar development projects. The youths must be seen to be active partners in all aspects of development of the country. They should not be found guilty of being a liability to the country by not engaging themselves in meaningful ventures, especially skill-related works, to earn a decent living for either themselves or their families.
No country can develop when its youthful population fails to take their rightful position in the process and The Gambia is not an exception.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
The Multi-Billion Dollar Project