By Mustapha Jallow
Turkish’s Albayrak Group, a significant player in Banjul port operations, and the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) have commenced a mass demolition of structures for a multimillion-euro investment to expand the city’s port.
This follows an investment agreement with Albayrak Group to invest over €20 million in upgrading the country’s port while constructing the $1-billion new Sanyang port. The GPA has faced significant challenges, including insufficient infrastructure and capacity, leading to the diversion of cargo to Dakar, Senegal.
The investment is expected to resolve these issues and attract ships back to Banjul port. GPA officials stated that the demolished properties were purchased legally and occupants were given a year’s notice to vacate.
Salih LeventKaçar, the deputy general manager for Albayrak Group, highlighted the port’s capacity problems and stated that demolition was a priority for the expansion.
“The rehabilitation and modernization of the Banjul port will quickly increase its capacity, efficiency, adequately and effectively handling cargo traffic,” he said.
Kaçar also mentioned the new Sanyang deep sea port, with a construction timeline of six years and a 30-year operation plan. He noted that tenants were cooperative during the demolition process, which will take 15 to 16 days due to strong structures.
Gibbou M. Saidy, the communication officer for GPA, emphasized the importance of the port expansion agreement, stating that the transformation will result in a better and upgraded port.
