Honourable Nancy Njie, secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, yesterday paid a visit to the famous Kachically Crocodile Pool in Bakau.

The SoS's visit was aimed at familiarising her with the activities going on at Kachically. It is also meant to provide her with firsthand information about the pool, to enable tourism officials to forge ahead with plans for possible development of its infrastructure.

The Tourism and Culture secretary of state was accompanied by a high powered delegation, including the permanent secretary and the deputy permanent secretary at her department, the director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, the deputy mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, representatives from the Department of State for Local Governments and Lands, and the NEA.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, shortly after the visit, SoS Njie said she was very much impressed with what she had seen on the ground. According to her, her department will work closely with other departments of state to see how they can improve on the existing infrastructure. "Culture and tourism plays a vital role in The Gambia," she said, and added: "My department and stakeholders will work closely to address the problems in the sector."

She assured the Bojang families responsible for the Kachically pool of her department's readiness to work with them.  The Alkalo of Bakau, Alhaji Luntang Jaiteh, thanked the SoS and her delegation for the visit, expressing hope that it will result in addressing some of their constraints, notably the drainage system in the crocodile pool. Kachically is a sacred pool widely known for its healing powers.

It serves as a place of last resort for barren women who wish to conceive. Many people with long term ailments or misfortunes also frequent the sacred pool.