Multi-Million Euro Fertilizer, Animal Feed Plant for Gambia Soon

24th July 2010

His Excellency, the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A J .J. Jammeh on Saturday evening laid the foundation stone of a 25 million Euro fertilizer and animal feed plant at Sifoe Village in Kombo South, Western Region. It could be recalled that some months ago, the Ukraine/Gambia Investment Group (U/G Investment Group) paid a courtesy call on President Jammeh and promised to establish a fertilizer and animal feed factory in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, President Yahya Jammeh thanked Mr Volodymir Volkov, the man behind this massive investment project, for choosing The Gambia as a place to invest in. He also expressed appreciation to Mr. Mam Sait Njie for the pivotal role he played in attracting Mr Volkov to invest in The Gambia. The President further said that Mr Volkov has demonstrated his love and admiration for the country by not only deciding to construct this multi-million Euro facility but also made a significant donation of some valuable items including boots, uniforms and jackets in support of the national army.

President Jammeh said this plant, when completed, would bring us infinitive benefits noting that the first potential impact of this multi-million Euro plant is the huge savings of foreign exchange. The budget would also accrue from having to disengage from importing fertilizer. He went on to say that with such a facility, The Gambia would become a net exporter of both fertilizer and animal feed to other countries within and outside the sub-region.

The Gambian leader also announced that the plant would be providing direct employment opportunities for about one thousand six hundred Gambians as well as others who would be employed indirectly from other linkages. He further told the gathering that he was made to understand that the U and G Investment Group is investing in other areas which will include operating a modern fishing company with a fleet of modern fishing vessels almost ready to commence operations.

President Jammeh reiterated that Gambians will become better off as they are demonstrating readiness to take advantages of the many opportunities that his government provides. He also gave assurances that Mr Volkov will be given advantages like Gambians which means that he will be charged as a Gambian investor. He reminded Gambians that the role of government is limited to the creation of limitless opportunities for citizens and therefore urged Gambians, particularly the youth folk, to avoid idling and take their rightful positions in nation-building and not to allow others to come from elsewhere and overtake them and be in control. The president stressed what he does not like about youths is their general inclination to idleness and believing that the greenest of the pastures lies outside of their country.

President Jammeh said he hopes that the youth will sooner or later understand his advice by taking on more positive attitudes in their love, respect and loyalty to the nation. The youth, he said, owe so much to the nation and should give back and develop. He added that government would leave no stone unturned to provide the most conducive and enabling environment to attract more high-profile investments.

He thanked Mr Volkov and the entire members of the U and G Investment Group for choosing The Gambia as a hub and assured them of the fullest and unfailing protection of his government to a project that not only brings overwhelming joy to all Gambians but also symbolizes the excellent bond of friendship between the governments and peoples of Ukraine and The Gambia.

The Chief Executive of U and G Investment Group, Mr Volodymir Volkov thanked President Jammeh and the people behind him in the quest to construct this fertilizer plant successfully. Mr Volkov revealed that this is the first project between Ukraine and The Gambia and pointed out that in August this year, five biggest investors will come from Ukraine to The Gambia to build the biggest warehouse in Africa making The Gambia a gateway for the exportation of fertilizer and animal feeds.

On behalf of Mam Sait Njie, the Gambian partner and Chairman of the U and G Investment Group, Mrs. Jainaba Jallow-Njie speaking on behalf of her husband, highlighted that the project is the result of a well planned investment being undertaken by the U and G Investment Group. She said the twin project planned for developments are of great significance as they support investment in the growth of the agro-industrial sector of the economy.

Mrs. Jallow-Njie further elaborated that the projects will create jobs as it will employ over one thousand six hundred Gambians. She added that as Gambians they want to play their quota in national development and also intend to appraise other key sectors of the economy and intervene as they deem it necessary.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kalifa Kambi said the fertilizer plant and animal feed plant will boost the agricultural productivity of The Gambia.

He said now that we have fertilizer and animal feed plants, it is our responsibility to make good use by venturing in agriculture and strive to be able to have food self-sufficiency. He further urged youths to take up the challenge and commended the partnership of U and G Investment Group and Mam Sait Njie for their vision.

The Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Lamin Kaba Bajo underscored the importance of the laying of the foundation stone for this project. He said the only way to increase agricultural productivity is to have fertilizer.

Honorable Bajo also emphasized that as fishing is the main engagement of Kombo South youths, they should use the fishing industry to be able to play their quota in national development since the fisheries sector is ready to help them.

He called on all Gambians to register for the coming elections and vote massively for the APRC in order to compliment the efforts of President Jammeh and the government.

The Governor of Western Region, Lamin Sanneh urged the people of his region to vote for President Jammeh and the APRC party. He said some people from the opposition United Democratic Party have defected to the APRC on their own will.

By Alhagi Ceesay and Aji Fatou Jammeh