Members of the National Assembly Monday began the debate on the adjournment in the second sitting of the 2012 Legislative Year. Moving the motion, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East Constituency commended the speaker for his good leadership qualities, especially in the management of the affairs of the Assembly.

He also thanked NAMs for adopting and ratifying motions that were laid before them. He described the adaption of motions and ratification of the Bills as critical and geared towards the betterment of The Gambia.

Hon, Jatta reminded members that as parliamentarians representing the people they should always reaffirm their commitment to the basic tenets of freedom, justice, transparency, and accountability. “The Assembly should not be seen as an institution of fear or witch hunting,” he said.  He on behalf of NAMs, assured people that as an institution they will want to work with the public and civil servants honestly and sincerely with a view to satisfy the need they all represent.

Hon. Jatta also urged his fellow deputies not to be moved by remarks by people calling the Assembly a ‘rubber stamp’. The Majority leader also dwelled on landlord-tenant relationship. He stressed that housing is a fundamental right and that there is a decree enacted by the Assembly that governs landlords and tenants.

He urged those responsible for enforcing the Act to do so without fear or favour, affection or ill will. He concluded by citing the importance of discipline at all levels including schools, homes, and work places, noting that there can hardly be success in the absence of discipline.

Seconding the motion, Hon. Seedy S.K Njie, a nominated member also paid homage to the speaker of the National Assembly. He also thanked the government under the leadership of President Jammeh for the swift response in addressing last year’s crop failure. He noted that many farmers have benefitted from the intervention by government. He said anything that the government does is in the interest of the Gambian people, citing the numerous projects being implemented.

For his part, Hon. Baboucarr S. Nyang, NAM for Banjul South Constituency commended Gambian women for their consistency in working for the progress of the country. He also described the women folk as the most reliable partner in development. Hon. Nyang applauded Taiwan-Gambia relations, citing the unprecedented support Taiwan is giving to The Gambia. He also commended the speaker of the National Assembly for his exemplary leadership.

Hon. Mam Cherno Jallow, NAM for Upper Niumi Constituency called on the Assembly Select committee on Government Projects to look into what is going on regarding the incomplete roads in Banjul, as well as the poor operation of the two ferries plying the Banjul-Barra route. He recalled that two days ago, the two ferries both stopped in the river resulting in passengers spending the night on board.

Hon. Abdoulie Saine, NAM for Banjul Central Constituency said millions of dalasis are pumped into RVTH hospital yet patients are prescribed with drugs and referred to pharmacies. “As the only teaching and referral hospital, it is disheartening to see patients being referred to pharmacies. I therefore call on the Select Committee on Health to visit the hospital and find out,” he urged.

He also commended the Banjul City Council (BCC) for setting up a rent tribunal, while urging Banjulians to pay their rates to BCC to enable the Council deliver effective services.

Hon. Sainey Mbye, NAM for Upper Saloum called for the timely provision of fertilizer to farmers, saying his constituency is yet to benefit from the ongoing groundnut seed distribution.He also decried the water problem in his constituency.

Hon. Abdoulie Kanaji Jawla, NAM for Sandu Constituency applauded the government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the road linking Sami Constituency in the Central River Region to Wuli West Constituency in Upper River Region. He also stressed the need for government to increase the salaries of low-income earners.

Others who contributed in the debate included Hon. Amadou Khan, NAM for Jokadu constituency; Hon. Sheriff Misba Hydara, NAM for Lower Nuimi; Hon. Baboucarr S. Fadera. NAM for Kiang Central; Hon. Ebrima Jammeh, NAM for Foni Bintang; Hon. Samba Cham, NAM for Central Baddibu; and Hon. Buba Ayi Sanyang, NAM for Kombo Central.

Debate on the adjournment continues today, Tuesday, July 3rd 2012.