By Kebba A.F. Touray
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Ousman Bah has informed the National Assembly that the Gambia is set to spend between 30 and 35 million US Dollars to get the capacity of the submarine cable to meet the country’s internet needs.
He said this on Wednesday before legislators while providing answers to questions on the submarine cable by the members of the House.
Minister Bah reported that it would cost around 30 to 35 million US Dollars.
Member for Sami also asked the Minister about the plans of the government to have second and third cables. Minister Bah said it is part of his top five (5) priorities as a minister.
“As part of the World Bank-funded project, we have secured funding for the second submarine cable as part of the activities. A transactional advisor is currently being recruited to guide the entire process,” Bah said.
He informed the lawmakers that The Gambia is part of the participating countries of the ECOWAS-America Cabral Submarine cable initiative, where the country is serving as the Vice Chair of the Ministerial Committee and will be hosting the meeting of the Experts and Ministers from the 18 to 20 September 2023.
The Minister said his Ministry is currently working on a third submarine cable, which is going to be funded by other donors. He added that they are currently in consultation with potential vendors that are open to Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) for the third submarine cable.
He said, “Having a third submarine cable will lower the cost of internet which is a concern to everyone in this country. So, we are working on that progress.”
