We salute those behind the recent commissioning of vehicles procured under the Transport and Assets Management (TAM) agreement between the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare and Riders- for-Health. It is this kind of initiative that will yield great results for the people of The Gambia.

A total of 91 vehicles were commissioned comprising 47 Ambulances, 24 pick-ups, 13 pool vehicles and 150 motorcycles, said to be worth about US$3.5 million.

Riders for Health supplied these vehicles and motorcycles in fulfillment of its obligation under the TAM progamme. Under the TAM programme, Riders for Health will supply vehicles and motorcycles while the Government of The Gambia meets the full cost of running the fleet.

This kind of co-operation between a dedicated NGO and the government of The Gambia will see our national development increase at a very significant rate. In the current climate of economic downturn we need every boost we can get in terms of progressing ourselves in socio-economic terms.

Delivering a statement on behalf of President Jammeh at the occasion, Dr Isatou Njie Saidy, said the programme is the result of the collaborative efforts between Department of State for Health and Riders for Health to implement the TAM programme. She maintained that this seeks to provide effective and efficient management of transport services in the health sector.

Vice President Njie-Saidy revealed that government has increased its annual budgetary allocation to D24 million that would now be disbursed to Riders for Health on a quarterly basis as opposed to the monthly budgetary allocation and disbursement systems.

If these vehicles are properly used and cared for then it will cement the good relationship between Riders for Health and our government and increase the interaction between the two with obvious benefits for all Gambians.