Banjul, The Gambia — The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group, approved some $20.56 million grant for The Gambia Government.
Specifically, the generous grant will finance various components of the 4th Banjul Port Expansion Project, notably, widening of the 3 kilometer Bund Road access to the Port, procurement of a new generation PROPAX Ferry for the Banjul-Barra crossing service, trade facilitation measures at the Port of Banjul, hiring of a consultant for an integrated smart Transport Master Plan and technical assistance to the Works Ministry.
Under the 4th Expansion Program, the Port jetty will be extended by 345 meters to accommodate up to three ships simultaneously and an additional 22,000M2 space will be added to the terminal area for the handling of increased volume of containers.
Ultimately, the upgrading of the Port of Banjul which includes digitalization of information and communication processes is envisaged to significantly reduce ship turnaround time and cut costly congestion and surcharges. These adjustments will subsequently reduce sea freight costs and demurrage payments.
The project is also expected to empower women’s groups through gender-sensitive procurement and provide jobs especially, for the youth.
Signed
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
