As part of ongoing efforts to enhance national development through modernisation, President Adama Barrow today visited the markets of Brikama, Latrikunda, and Serekunda, following recent fire outbreaks, the latest being the Serekunda ‘Sandika’ incident.
The visit of the president was to personally assess the situation and understand the consequences of the fires on the victims in these three markets: Brikama, Serekunda, and Latrikunda.
Speaking about the unfortunate circumstances, the president noted that “the current handling and management of goods in these markets are not ideal”.
He affirmed his government’s commitment to collaborating with local councils and authorities to modernise the markets, improve accessibility, and provide a more suitable environment to protect the goods that are essential for daily consumption.
He added that the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) had conducted a preliminary assessment, and “the government awaits a detailed report to determine how best to support the victims, who are Gambians contributing to national development”.
The market authorities expressed their gratitude to the president for his efforts in gathering firsthand information on the incidents. They thanked him for his ongoing support and urged him to help them secure an environment more conducive for better access.
President Barrow also assured them of his willingness to work with the local government to relocate the ‘Sandikas’ to a more comfortable and suitable environment, following a brief engagement with technicians.
