Hippos, Monkeys on the Rampage in CRR

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:19:42 GMT

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

At least 20 hectares of rice paddies have been reportedly destroyed by marauding hippopotamuses and monkeys in Jarreng, Niamina East, Central River Region (CRR).

The incident, which has left hungry farmers in the area in a desperate position, is said to be an annual occurrence that has in recent days been the centre of discussion with local authorities in the area.

According to our correspondent, who visited the area, this rather unfortunate incident came at a time when farmers are about to harvest their crops.

Some of the farmers who spoke to our correspondent expressed concern that if such an “alarming episode” continued the quest for the attainment of food self sufficiency would not be achieved.

For one Mama Samura, the hippos destroyed two of her rice fields that serve as sources of livelihood for her family. According to her, she pays her children’s school fees with the proceeds from the farm.

“Hippos entered my rice field at night and before morning, there was nothing left for me to feed my family or pay school fees for my children,” she said.

Mrs Nyara Ceesay, another victim, expressed frustration for what she called as this “unbearable loss”. According to her, rice production is decreasing drastically due to the menace of the hippos in the area.

Mr. Bakary Ceesay, a farmer also complained about the menace of the hippos, calling on the authorities to help them to deal with the hippos in their farms. This, he added, will ensure increased productivity in rice cultivation in the area.

In a separate but related development, The Point has learnt through our correspondent in the Central River Region that monkeys in the village of Faraba in Lower Fulladu West district has also destroyed a good number of coos and sorghum farms.

This, according to our correspondent, is due to the increasing number of monkeys that continue to spread in the village and its surrounding areas.

Victim upon victim who all spoke to our reporter called on the authorities to come to their aid, adding that this year’s season has a low harvest in cereal crops.

Author: Abdourahman Sallah in CRR

As CRR included in forthcoming Roots Festival Hon. Manka impressed

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:48:29 GMT

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Honourable Foday Jibani Manka,National Assembly Member for Janjangbureh has expressed delight for the inclusion of Janjangbureh in hosting the 9th Edition of the International Roots Festival schedule from the 2nd to 3rd June.

The theme for this years celebration is “celebrating unity through culture”.

In an interview with our Janjanbureh correspondent, Honourable Manka commended the Department of State for Tourism and Culture for the decision in including CRR in this historical, cultural and educational event, describing it as a positive move.

He said, already a Task Force Committee has been established comprising of various sub-committees such as accommodation, catering, fund raising, environmental sanitation and cultural and entertainment committees. He added that they are expecting over two hundred guests and all the mechanisms are in place. He also revealed that they have started sensitising the people of CRR and URR for their active participation to make this national event a success.

Programme of activities and events, he disclosed, will include the welcoming ceremony which will be characterised by cultural display, speeches, street carnivals and conducted tour of the heritage sites. “ After dinner, there will be series of cultural night programmes at Armitage School grounds and a possible boat trip to six junction for the guests to see the hippos.

Author: by Lamin SM Jawo in Janjangbureh

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Hippos, Monkeys on the Rampage in CRR

As CRR included in forthcoming Roots Festival Hon. Manka impressed