By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), finalized a contract with DAMEN Shipyard for the construction of two innovative green solar-powered ferries on Wednesday, April 17, 2024,
The contract was formalized at the Banjul City Council Town Hall, signifying a strategic move to mitigate the ongoing ferry service issues in the country.
The procurement of one of these cutting-edge solar-powered ferries was made possible through a grant from the African Development Bank, while the Gambian government facilitated the acquisition of the second via a supply credit scheme with DAMEN Shipyard.
Ousman Jobarteh, the Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, has indicated that the ferries are slated for delivery 16 months following the contract’s execution.
“This ceremony today is for the signing of two new ferries and, the decision came about because of our engagement with our development partners, the African Development Bank, who has provided the grant funding to procure one new solar power green ferry. When the decision was sent to the government, cabinet in its wisdom gave instructions, and the Ministry of transport informed the GPA, that it is the government’s decision to go for two instead of one. That is why we are signing for two Ferries. One is completely on a grant by the African Development Bank, and the second is being procured by the government through a supply credit arrangement with DAMEN Shipyard of the Netherlands. In terms of delivery, we expect the ferries to be delivered after 16 months when we signed the contract,” he explains.
MD Jobarteh expressed his apologies to the people of Gambia, their valued customers, and all users of the ferry services for the recent disruption experienced at the Barra and Banjul crossing point. He acknowledged it as a valuable lesson and assured everyone that they are committed to enhancing their planning processes to prevent any future interruptions in service along this route.
Additionally, he revealed plans to involve the private sector in the sustainable operations and management of the ferries once two new ferries arrive. This strategic move aims to ensure consistent, high-quality service and provide excellent value for money to all passengers.
“This is our intention and our game plans, and we believe that if we implement these strategies, the thing about ferry crossing will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Honorable Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, stated during the signing ceremony that the government’s overarching objective is to connect the Banjul and Barra route with a bridge. He mentioned that feasibility studies have commenced, and the initiation of bridge construction hinges upon the findings of these studies.
“In the past couple of months, we have given licenses to two private operators to operate their ferries in The Gambia. One is a foreign investor, and the other is a group of the Gambians who come together to operate a ferry service between Barra and Banjul. We are also open to all kinds of cooperation with other operators willing to operate within the Banjul and Barra routes,” he said.
He mentioned that following the resumption of operations by the Kunta Kinteh ferry, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the Kanilai ferry, prioritizing safety and dependable service. He mentioned that the refurbishment of the Kunta Kinteh ferry is nearing completion and anticipates its service resumption by month-end.
Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul City Council, praised the government’s commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns, particularly those commuting on the Banjul and Barra route.
She encouraged Gambians, especially ferry users, to take responsibility for the ferries upon their return to ensure their longevity.
She highlighted that women and students bear the brunt of the lack of ferry services.
Other speakers include the Honourable Sulayman Saho, the National Assembly Member for central Badibou and Hon. Tamsir Cham, the National Assembly member for Lower Niumi Constituency, who both called for a collective responsibility to bridge the Banjul Barra route.