Celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution continued over the week end with inaugurations of a number of projects within the Greater Banjul area.

The vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, last Friday, presided over the official inauguration of the new office complex of the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Kanifing, named Gambia Environment House.

Vice President Njie-Saidy described the event as another milestone development in the history of the country. The location of the complex, she observed, is strategic for students and other learners as it will accord them easy access to the place in the event of their need to learn about the environment. She expressed hope that the operation of the complex will greatly impact on the lives and well being of the Gambian people, especially the analysis office found within the complex.

Sustainable management of Gambia's environment, the vice president noted, is the cornerstone to development, stating that this is a priority in her government's development agenda. According to VP Njie-Saidy, the Government of The Gambia has over the years enacted policies for the adequate management of the country's environment, and these, she went on, have helped to raise the awareness level of Gambians on the environment. Vice President Njie-Saidy further told the gathering that her government, under the leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has clearly paved the way for the sustainable management of the environment, making reference to 'Operation Clean the Nation' as a justification to this fact.

The vice president then used the occasion to commend partners who have in one way or the other contributed to the successful realization of the project, and urged the management of NEA to make the best use of the facility. Momodou Kotu Cham, minister of Forestry and the Environment, also described the day as a memorable one. The building, he said, will facilitate a sound working environment. He also called on the management of NEA to close ranks in the interest of development. Ndey Sireng Bakurin, acting executive director of NEA, thanked President Jammeh and all their partners for the provision of the complex.

At the end of the ceremony, Vice President Njie-Saidy and delegation, including cabinet ministers, national assembly members and other important dignitaries, went on a conducted tour of the facility.