The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with Insight Training Center, last Saturday and Sunday organized training for fish retailers and people who will operate in the Brikama fish market project (which is currently under construction).

The training was based on the sanitation management and environmental issues preparation before the the completion of the market. Held at the Gambia College, the training aimed at enhancing the capacities of fish retailers and those dealing in fish on what to do to keep the market clean after starting of operation.

Nfamara Dampha, director of fisheries in his  statement of welcome described the training as timely, in preparation of the official operation at the project site. The completion of the fish market, he added will address many difficulties that Gambian fishermen and retailers used to encounter. Dampha called for togetherness and unity from the fish retailers toward the successful completion of the market. He thanked the Japanese government for approving the grant for The Gambia.

The Japanese resident engineer, who is the project consultant, Astuchi said the project is expected to be completed by November. He told participants that the training was designed to capacitise them on how to effectively manage the fish market when completed.

Ismaila Ceesay of Insight Training Center expressed hope that the participants will be fully equipped on how to properly handle and manage the fish market, as well as making it a viable business center for fish retailers.

For Governor Lamin Sanneh of Western Region, fish do not only provide food for Gambians, but also provide income for them. According to him, training fish retailers on sanitation management and its related issues will no doubt go a long way in the sustainability of the project. he then urged participants to effectively participate during the training and to adequately disseminate the information learned to the grass roots.