The First International Bank (FIB) and Lawyer Christopher Mene, yesterday donated cash amounts of D33,750.00 and D15, 000.00 to the Gambia Police Force for the acquisition of traffic cones. 

Ensa Badjie, the Inspector General of Police, received the cheques at a presentation ceremony held at the Gambia Police Force headquarters in Banjul. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, IGP Badjie, said road safety continues to pose major challenge to police, which he said, also weigh heavily on the country's health service delivery, consuming a greater part of the national budget.

He expressed delight with F.I.B bank and Lawyer Mene for their kind gesture, noting that many young and abled bodied persons who otherwise could have contributed to the national development have lost their lives through road accidents that are preventable if only road users exercise due care and attention. He urged the people to address the issue of road safety as a health and safety problem rather a traffic management issue only. I.G.P Badjie described the lack of change in attitudes as the catalyst for the increase in the number of Road Traffic Accidents witnessed in the recent times. "I cannot afford to sit idly and watch innocent lives perished in the hands of reckless and irresponsible road users," he noted.

He then cited the series of measures he has taken to enhance road safety which includes the speed reduction signboard along the Banjul Serrekunda highway, dual carriage, the 24 hours traffic-monitoring programme amongst others. He commend the Gambian leader for his support to the Gambia Police Force for the past years.

For his part, Ba Sadi Jabbi, the Director of F.I.B, said their intervention is meant to showcase their concern on the occurrence of numerous accidents and at most times fatal road accidents. "Road accidents could be averted, and one of the ways of mitigating these unfortunate tragedies is by forming partnership with competent authorities such as the traffic division of the Gambia Police Force", he noted. He assured that his bank will not relent in contributing its quota in the education, health and environment sectors.

Lawyer Christopher Mene, who also donated a cash of D15, 000.00 to the Gambia Police Force described his relation with the police as a longstanding one. He said the police need to be commended in their efforts, especially when the need arises. The police adviser, Famara Jammeh, thanked the donors for their gesture, describing the Police Force as a large department that covers the whole country. He urged people to emulate the gesture of F.I.B and Lawyer Christopher Mene. Commissioner Fadia Jarju of the Mobile Traffic, said the cones will go a long way in curbing over speed on our roads. He finally urged the drivers not to drive above 50 KM per hour.