By Adama Makasuba
Honourable Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs has hailed the nation’s regulatory body, PURA, for its unflinching efforts in the socio-economic development of the country.
Honourable Keita made this statement during a courtesy visit to the office of the Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) during the weekend.
The visit was part of the Minister’s ongoing tour to satellite institutions under his watch/purview for familiarisation, and they were accorded a warm welcome.
The Minister and his team were assured of the regulatory body’s readiness to work with the Ministry of Finance continuously and harmoniously to ensure the success of the Regulatory Authority.
Minister Seedy Keita encouraged PURA to keep up the momentum in serving the public good, saying PURA plays a very important role in the socio-economic growth of the country and is key to the development aspirations of The Gambia.
He assured them of his Ministry’s support in strengthening and consolidating oversight functions in respect of the regulatory mandates of PURA.
Furthermore, he challenged PURA as the multi-sector regulator to incessantly monitor and advise the regulated entities for a better public good and to be strict in enforcement.
Welcoming the Minister and his entourage, the Director General of PURA, Mr Yusupha M. Jobe thanked the team for their timely and maiden visit to PURA.
He informed the delegation that PURA as a regulatory body, is ever committed to protecting the consumers, service providers, and the public at large with due adherence to fairness as dictated by the PURA Act 2001.
He also disclosed to the Minister’s team that the representative of the Ministry of Finance is a member of the PURA Board of Directors which signifies the importance that the Ministry attaches to the institution.
The Minister’s visit is expected to undoubtedly help his Ministry to touch- base with the sector for a better comprehension of its work in the multi-sector regulatory environment and proffer guidelines and assistance.
