By Muhammad Bah National Assembly Members of the Public Accounts and Public Enterprises Joint Committee (PAC/PEC) on Monday 26th January, 2015 queried the losses incurred by Gamtel/Gamcel in the year 2013 which amounted to millions of dalasis. Members urged the company’s management to find a quick possible solution to the problem relating to the loss of revenues by both state owned companies. The Member for Upper Nuimi, Mam Cherno Jallow, noted that this problem has persisted since 2012 and expressed the fear that it will continue if nothing is done. He questioned why Gamcel cannot provide 3G internet network in the countryside like other GSM companies. The Member for Illiasa, Lamin K. Jammeh, talked about the liquidity rate of the company. He asked: “Director can you tell us what you are doing now to ensure viability as the liability is more than the current assets?” Hon. Alhagie Sillah of Banjul North urged the Management of Gamtel/Gamcel to find a solution to the problem with Comium as it continues to cause losses to the company. He asked management to consider looking for an arbiter. The Managing Director, Babucarr Sanyang responded to the deputies’ concerns. He argued that the market is saturated and in competing with others money is needed. He expressed the belief that they can still survive if there is adequate resources at their disposal. “I also want to inform you that the World Bank recommendation on the liberalization gateway affected the company, because the period the Bank gave us to effect these changes was shorter compared to other African countries.” Mr. Sanyang told PAC/PEC that they are searching for investors because the money they have is insufficient. He revealed that some investors came from Italy and after making observation they promised to return next month. ]]>
