Mandinary VDC Urges Transport Union to Reverse Lamin Garage Directive, Citing Burden on Women Traders

By Makutu Manneh

The Mandinary Village Development Committee has urged the Gambia Transport Union to reverse a new directive requiring vehicles traveling between Serrekunda and Mandinary to terminate their trips at Lamin Garage, arguing that the arrangement would impose additional financial and physical burdens on women traders and fishmongers.

In a letter responding to the directive, the committee expressed strong opposition to the new arrangement, describing it as unreasonable, insensitive, and unfair, particularly to women and fishmongers who rely on early-morning transportation to sustain their livelihoods.

The committee said the policy would require traders traveling from Serrekunda to Mandinary to disembark at Lamin Garage, unload their goods, and transfer them to another vehicle before continuing their journey.

“Forcing these women to disembark at Lamin Garage, hire wheelbarrows to transport their fish loads and personal belongings to another vehicle, and then pay an additional fare to travel from Lamin Garage to Mandinary is not only financially burdensome but also physically exhausting and undignified,” the committee said.

The VDC said many of the women affected are small-scale traders whose earnings support their families and contribute to food security and the local economy. Any additional transportation costs, it said, would further reduce their already modest daily incomes.

The committee also raised concerns about the repeated loading and unloading of fish and other perishable goods, warning that the process could increase the risk of damage and spoilage. It also cited reports of poor treatment of traders by some commercial vehicle operators.

The VDC argued that transportation policies should improve mobility without unnecessarily disrupting the livelihoods of the people who depend on public transport.

“The livelihood and dignity of women should not be sacrificed for operational convenience,” the committee said.

Despite its objections, the VDC said it remained willing to engage with the Transport Union and other relevant authorities to resolve the dispute.

“We remain ready for constructive dialogue with the General Transport Union and all relevant stakeholders to find a solution that protects the interests of both transport operators and the hardworking people they serve,” the committee said.

The VDC’s appeal follows an announcement by the General Transport Union on Saturday, Aug. 22, establishing a new operational arrangement for vehicles serving the Serrekunda-Mandinary route.

Under the directive, drivers operating from Serrekunda are required to carry passengers only as far as Lamin Garage. Drivers serving Mandinary are then permitted to transport passengers from Lamin Garage to Mandinary Village.

The union also instructed Mandinary drivers to transport all fishmongers without hindrance or discrimination.

The Transport Union said the arrangement would take effect in the early hours of Monday, Aug. 24, and would be enforced in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force. It warned that operators who fail to comply could face legal action.

The union said the measure was introduced to promote order, fairness and smoother operations along the route.

The Mandinary VDC, however, is calling for the decision to be reconsidered, saying the practical consequences for traders — particularly women transporting fish and other goods — outweigh the operational benefits cited by the union.