Villagers of Sinchu Baliya, on Sunday embarked on a clean up exercise at the village’s health centre, in response to a call by President Yahya Jammeh to maintain a clean environment.

Speaking to Daily Observer during the clean up exercise, Amadou Bah, Alkalo of Sinchu Baliya Village, lauded his people’s commitment and dedication towards national development. Alkalo Bah commended the villagers for their unity of purpose, describing the exercise as a worthy cause.

He said the health centre- started as a result of a Tesito by the villagers in 1982- should be maintained clean for its an important outlet for health care services. Mr Bah then thanked Lars Erik Andesson, a philanthropist, for funding the construction of the health centre and its staff quarters.

However, he lamented the lack of nurses as the constrains facing the health centre, despite being well furnished. He appealed to the Department of State for Health to consider the village’s plight, adding “this is our main concern”.

For his part, Lars Erik Andesson, a Swede donor to the health centre, expressed willingness to build on the standards of the health centre, especially in the area of facilities. He disclosed that plans are in progress to install water and electricity facilities in the health centre.

He told the Daily Observer that his intention has been to help the needy across the country. Kumba Barry, the head of the Sinchubaliya Yai Compin, commended Mr Andesson for his generosity. She pointed out that women benefit most from the health centre. She then reaffirmed Alkalo Bah’s assertion for the government to assist the village with nurses in order to set the health centre on full operation.

Other speakers at the exercise included Jakumba Jangha, the head of Takuligaye Yai Compin, Ebrima Bura Bah, a youth leader, and Yusupha Corr, representative of Mr Andesson in The Gambia.