By Fatou Krubally
Banjul, The Gambia (PANA) – The Gambian government has announced that a new care facility for vulnerable children and elderly persons is nearing completion as part of efforts to strengthen social welfare services and improve care for vulnerable groups.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, made the disclosure on Tuesday at the National Assembly while responding to the report of the Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare following its inspection tour of orphanages, rehabilitation centres and juvenile correction facilities across the country.
Kinteh acknowledged concerns raised by the committee regarding staffing shortages, limited resources and infrastructure challenges affecting welfare institutions and rehabilitation centres.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children, persons with disabilities and elderly citizens through measures aimed at improving service delivery and care standards.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the construction of a modern care facility designed to accommodate vulnerable children and elderly persons. According to the minister, the facility is close to completion and is expected to ease congestion while enhancing care and protection services.
Kinteh also outlined interventions undertaken by the ministry and its partners, including support to rehabilitation centres, training programmes for caregivers and social workers, and efforts to strengthen data collection and case management systems.
She said rehabilitation centres have benefited from increased support, including the provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and prosthetic equipment, while measures are being pursued to improve staffing levels and technical capacity.
The minister further informed lawmakers that the ministry continues to support orphanages and care institutions through the distribution of food items, health supplies and other essential materials.
She added that regular monitoring visits are being conducted to ensure compliance with established standards and guidelines.
During the debate, National Assembly Members called for increased investment in services for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and children requiring specialised care.
In response, Kinteh said the government’s social protection agenda is guided by the principle that no vulnerable person should be left behind and assured lawmakers that efforts were continuing to address challenges identified in the committee’s report.
She added that the government would continue collaborating with development partners and stakeholders to strengthen social welfare services and expand support for vulnerable children, persons with disabilities and elderly persons nationwide.