The ECOWAS Commission, through the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, conducted a Cross Border Cooperation Project Monitoring and Evaluation exercise from August 14-19, 2024, in Wellingara-Ba, The Gambia. The exercise aimed to assess the implementation progress of the Wellingara-Ba Lumo (Market) project.
The Wellingara-Ba Lumo project is financed by the ECOWAS Commission under the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP). It is developed by the Gambian Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment in collaboration with the Mansakonko Area Council. The project's goal is to transform the local market into a modern Cross-Border Trading Centre.
Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration at the ECOWAS Commission, led the Monitoring and Evaluation team on behalf of Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse. He commended the project's progress, highlighting advancements such as completed solar-powered boreholes, solar-powered lights, and a perimeter fence.
During an assessment at the project site, Mrs. Ndeye Taraba Touray, Head of the ECOWAS National Office in The Gambia, briefed the Monitoring and Evaluation team on project details and challenges. She noted that additional financing is needed for completion.
The Wellingara-Ba Lumo Project plans to include fifty market stalls, six toilet facilities—three for males and three for females—and a cold storage facility. There are currently 250 registered market women involved in this initiative.
The ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme is a multi-sectoral development initiative working with local communities in border regions to promote social cohesion, regional construction, and sustainable development. As part of this programme, ECOWAS has disbursed $100,000 to Member States for implementing identified cross-border projects.
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