By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Transport Union (GTU) has urged the government to establish central commercial garages across all regions of the country to enhance transport efficiency, safety, and organization.
In a policy document submitted to the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure on 3 October 2025, the Union emphasized that the “shortage of commercial garages undermines transport efficiency and safety” and called for urgent government intervention.
The GTU informed the ministry that in the Upper River Region (URR), the Basse Area Council has already identified two potential garage sites. One is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Jah Oil Company, while the other requires approximately D500,000 for leveling, office construction, and the installation of passenger shelters.
According to the Union, if the required funding is provided within the next two months, transport operations can be relocated to the new bypass garage, which will “create significant business opportunities for residents in URR and help decongest Basse town, thereby improving national security.”
The GTU also called for stronger private sector participation in developing transport infrastructure nationwide.
Highlighting the recent police operations in the Greater Banjul Area—particularly along the OIC road, where garages were removed without designated alternatives—the Union stressed the need for coordinated transport planning.
To address this challenge, the GTU recommended that the government, the police, and the union collaborate to reallocate garages along the OIC Corridor. It further proposed establishing a joint framework for ongoing transport planning and coordination, with the GTU taking responsibility for managing the newly allocated garages.
Additionally, the union urged the government to reorganize the Airport Junction into a major transit hub, featuring a designated taxi garage, passenger shelters, and seating areas to facilitate smooth connections for travelers.