A one-day consultative meeting on the proposed Brikama Fish Market Project, was on Tuesday held at the Office of the Governor of Western Region in Brikama.

It was organised by the Department of State for Fisheries and the Brikama Area Council, in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The consultative meeting sought to attract the involvement of the beneficiaries for the management and maintenance of the facilities.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdou FM Badjie, Governor of Western Region underscored the need for the people to take ownership of the project.

Masami Tsuchiya, Project Manager of Fisheries Products, Distribution and Survey for JICA, elaborated on the proposed project.

 Mr. Tsuchiya said the project is a grant requested by the government of The Gambia in August 2005. He said the Japanese government then mandated JICA to examine the validity of the project and ensures its successful implementation.

Sunkari Badjie, Vice- Chairman of Brikama Area Council, said the meeting was a step in the right direction towards the alleviation of poverty. Mr. Badjie advised stakeholders to share the information about the project with other members of the community.

At the summit of the meeting, participants recommended the need for electricity supply, good toilet facilities and effective water management supply system for smooth business activities.