By Fatou Sanneh
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) recently concluded a three-day annual retreat at Sindola, Kanilai.
The retreat aims to develop a work plan and budget for the ministry and its line departments and agencies as well as gauge the progresses, successes, and challenges faced during the implementation of the 2022 work plan and map a way forward for 2023.
In her opening statement the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), Mrs. Rohey John Manjang recommended that all should embrace the freedom of implementation and continue to work towards the national and sectoral objectives, quoting that to “whom much is given, much is expected”.
Hon. Minister highlighted that the purpose of the retreat is to discuss the level of progress made and work towards overcoming challenges to achieve good results through reflecting, reviewing, and planning. She urged everyone to take up tasks that they can deliver and report adequately.
Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources Mr. Alieu Njie, who doubles as the chairman of the retreat, outlined that the objective of the retreat is to discuss matters that concern progress and plans of MECCNAR and Line department and agency and converse in detail innovative solutions to these concerns.
He added that it is an opportunity to address the challenges faced and plan for effective implementation in 2023.
The three-day retreat saw the presentations of the overview of the 2022 work plan, highlighting the status of the activities, achievements, and challenges of various units, departments, agencies, and projects under the ministry. The presentations also highlighted the summary presentation of the 2023 annual work plan, planned activities, indicators, and the timeframe for the implementation of the activities.
In conclusion, PS Njie said that it is the end of the retreat but the beginning of another hard work as work continues.
He thanked the Deputy Permanent Secretary Baboucarr Zaidi Jallow and his coordination team, line departments, agencies, and the project coordinators for a successful retreat.
