The construction of the African Development Bank (ADB) funded Bakoteh Fish arket project is nearing completion, with approximately 90% of the work already done. Thecost of the projectvalued at US$3.35M, is contracted to GUANGZI international, a Chinese construction firm.

Themarket, like the one in Brikama, targets to address post-harvest fisheries and create employment in the fisheries sector. “The major impact of the facility if completed will reduce the rate of post-harvest fish captures,” says Nfamara Dampha, director of Fisheries.

He said a fish market in the Kanifing Municipality is necessitated by the unhealthy conditions in which many fish retailers operate. He added that in Serrekunda, for instance, fish retailers are still using old refrigerators, which can even cause health implications on both fish and humans.

The Fisheries director explained that themarket has the quality and facilities like that of Brikama , ranging from an ice plant to cold room, administrative block as well as fish stalls and an auction hall, and is expected to immensely contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

He pointed out that the project will not only provide storage facilities and generate income, but will equally contribute to the creation of employment for the country’s young people, thereby reducing the rate of illegal migration and the subsequent loss of lives in the ocean.

During a two-day sanitation management and environment issues training for fish retailers and operators who will be operating at the market after its completion, which was held at the Gambia College, Dampha said the training programme is part of the soft component of the project. He added that Brikama was chosen for the project because it is a focal point for Western Region and The Gambia as a whole.