By Astou Jawara
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has recently handed over eight (8) electric cycles to the ‘Bugga Tekki’ [wolof phrase for ‘Want to Make it] Group (returnees) in the Gambian capital, Banjul had recently received eight electric tricycles worth approximately D3.5 million, from the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The initiative, funded by the Peace-building Fund, aims to improve the livelihoods of the parties concerned and strengthen the social bond in Banjul.
ITC is a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) focusing on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies.
It’s a 100% “Aid for Trade”, supporting trade that delivers inclusive and sustainable development results.
Mr. Babucarr Sallah, Technical Advisor at ITC, told his audience at the handing over ceremony in McCarthy Square, that the initiative is funded by the United Nations Peace-building Fund project– a trust fund that is supporting the holistic and sustainable reintegration of returnees’ project in The Gambia, which is led by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and co-implemented by the ITC and UNFPA.
“We are happy to witness the handing over of the first initiative under the ITC’s component for the community-based reintegration support”, Sallah said.
“We are so much glad to be associated with this particular project”, Mr. Ansu Fofana, Senior Community Development Officer at the Department of Community Development, echoed. “We are so delighted to see that the tricycles are going to be handed over to the community and also to the youths of Banjul, to be a test case for both the youths and the community in the realization of attaining youth employment and self-financing,” said Fofana.
He advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the tricycles for their longevity, as he also called for vigilance in the management and operationalisation of the electric tricycles.
Mr. Pa Mamud Ceesay, Councilor of Banjul’s New Town West Ward, was elated to have witnessed the realization of a short-term and modest dream, a dream characterized by the handing over of eight tricycles, in an effort to render the youth employable, productive and serviceable to their community.
Ceesay went on, “We must, however, remind ourselves that the overarching goal is to curb a negative trend of the back-way syndrome by creating the condition for employment and improvement of livelihood”.
The beneficiaries are obligated to exercise maximum financial discipline, best management practice and complete transparency for the professional structure reasonable for coordination and guidance, he indicated.
Ms. Fatou Jaiteh, President of ‘Bugga Tekki’ Group thanked the ITC and its partners for the support. She also appealed for more support to Gambian migrant returnees, and assured the benefactors that the electric tricycles would be put into good use.
