By Amadou Manjang
Dock Labour Company got a new official Complex in Banjul. It was inaugurated on Thursday by the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA).
The complex is named after the Managing Director of Gambia Ports Authority, Ousman M. Jobarteh, and is located within the GPA premises. The complex’s conference room was named after the late Vice President Alieu B. Joof.
The Dock Labour Company was established as a subsidiary company for dock labourers by GPA in partnership with Gambia Maritime and Dock Workers’ Union. It is co-owned by Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and Dock Labour Company. They both hold fifty percent share in the company.
The company was established by The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) in collaboration with Benom Consultant. The roadmap for the establishment of the company was validated in 2021.
Speaking at the inauguration event, Ousman B. Jobarteh, the Managing Director of Gambia Ports Authority, said the establishment of the Dock Labour Company and the building of its official complex is part of the Gambia Port transformation agenda.
He said the Gambia Port is undergoing privatisation where the government will still hold shares and also participate in port activities in the Gambia.
He said the partnership between the Port and Dock Workers is to ensure that dock workers condition improves, adding that the collaboration will continue through public-private partnership.
‘This is the first achievement of the Port transformation program,’ he said.
He told the dock workers that privatisation of the port does not mean investors will take over, rather they will work together as partners.
He added that they will work with dock workers throughout the port expansion project because dock workers are a major component of the ports.
Dock workers are responsible for loading and unloading of cargo from ships, inspecting and documenting items, maintaining dock facilities, operating special machinery to move freight and unmooring ships upon departure.
Babucarr Joof, the Minister of Trade, said the establishment of Dock Labour Company is significant for country’s economic development because dock labourers are pivotal for the country’s economy that depends on trade.
He added that dock labour is essential for the smooth running of the port and maritime, adding that the collaboration between the Port and Dock workers is good for domestic and transient trade.
He said the Gambia as a coastal state that has port use for domestic and transient trade, should maximize the potential of dock labour in the country. He further said he wants to see the Dock Labour Company contribute to the economic development of the country.
Fafa Sanyang, the president of Gambia Maritime and Dock Workers’ Union welcomed the inauguration of the office complex and said the continued effort of the union and port will lead to success.
He said the Dock Workers Union will continue to present the interest of their members in the partnership. He added that they will continue to advocate for the welfare of dock workers.
He further stated that the union will continue to promote the safety and efficiency of their members as they progress through their collaboration.
‘We are committed to collaboration,’ he said.
He indicated that they have the potential to boost the local economy of the country because they occupy a crucial point in maritime trade which the Gambia heavily depends on.
Yahya Gassama, the Managing Director of Dock Labour Company, said this sets a new start for Gambia workers. He further said that this will create job opportunities for people.
He added that dock workers are committed to economic development and together they can navigate challenges that confronted the dock workers in the country and find solutions to them.
Editor’s Note: For the information of the reader, a distinction must be drawn between The Gambia Maritime and Dock Workers’ Union, which is part of the Dock Labour Company and the Dock and Maritime Workers Union, which is not recognized by management, but is claiming legitimacy.
