The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS), today handed over newly constructed football fields (mini stadia) to the sport committees of Bwiam in the Foni Kansala district of the West Coast Region and Julafarr in Kiang West in the Lower River Region, after the completion of their construction. The Minister is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Director of Youth and Sports , Chairperson of the National Assembly select committee on Youth and Sports matter amongst others.
In his remarks, Honorable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie said he knows what these projects mean to the communities, especially football lovers, citing the positive development they bring to the Sports in the regions”. He thanked the communities for their patience, saying it is not their intention for the delay of the work but a failure on the contractor and weak supervision by the consultant.
"I want to reassure you that the Government of the Gambia through the Ministry is committed to continuing its work in developing the sports infrastructure as a means of sustaining development and maintaining peace among people through sports."
He however, cautioned the communities of the various beneficiary communities to ensure proper care of the facilities and to manage the revenue from gate tickets and other rental and reinvest some of these revenue to maintain and improve on facility.
Ms. Ndey Marie Njie, Permanent Secretary, advised the different sports Committees to work together and ensure that the facility will provide a dedicated space for sports activities for all. She encouraged the community members to engage in physical activity and sports competitions.
The football fields of Janjanbureh in the Central River Region and Diabugu in the Upper River Region will be handed back to their sports Committees during the course of these visit.
