By: Kebba AF Touray
The Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, has said that the Gambia Ferry Service (GFS) makes average monthly revenue at the Banjul-Barra ferry crossing point at a tune of D24.4 Million.
Minister Sillah said this while responding to a question put to him by the Member for Sanimentereng, Hon. Fatou Cham during question-and-answer session at the parliament on Wednesday, 18 March, 2024.
Hon. Cham asked the Minister to explain to the assembly the monthly revenue collection of the Banjul-Barra ferry services.
When asked by the Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, Hon. Bakary Badgie, to explain to the assembly the plans the Ministry has to combat road traffic congestion, especially on Brikama-Banjul Highway, Minister Sillah said the Ministry is aware of the traffic congestion, especially between Banjul and Brikama.
“However, with the anticipated completion of the Bertil Harding Highway and the new Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects in lots 5 and 6, we are hopeful that congestion will be minimized. Additionally, the Ministry is working with partners to launch the feasibility studies for the Sting Corner-Abuko-Mandinary by-pass road as a potential PPP Project,” he said.
According to him, the road when completed, will ease the West Field-Tabokoto stretch particularly the Brikama bound traffic, and that “cognizant of the fact that building more roads will automatically reduce traffic, the ministry of Transport is working with our partners to establish a well-organized urban transport scheme, such as a mass or bus rapid transit, which currently efforts are being made to introduce in the country.”
Member for Tallinding Kunkujang, Hon. Musa Badgie, asked the Minister to state the reason for the long delay in paying compensation to property owners whose properties were affected by the demolition along the Jeshwang-Tallinding road.
Minister Sillah explained that evaluation reports on demolition properties on the Jeshwang-Tallinding road and all other affected properties along the 50km OIC Urban roads project were prepared by the Department of Lands and Surveys.
He added: “The Ministry of Finance is currently working on making funds available for compensation to all affected persons. Once these funds are received, all these affected property owners along the said road in question will be paid.”
Member for Bundung-Ka Kunda, Hon. Sulayman Jammeh asked the Minister to state whether the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) has special schedules or plans intended to assist commuters in the Greater Banjul Area during the peak rush hours.
Minister Sillah said the GTSC strategically adjusted urban bush schedules by increasing services when passenger demand spikes and reducing it during low peak periods.
He noted that these bus services approximately constitute half of the GTSC’s entire fleet and notably include the dedicated school buses to ensure a reliable transport for students.
“I am proud to reveal that the GTSC is advancing plans to expand our fleet of urban buses,” he disclosed.
