By Buba Gagigo
Haji Suwaneh, National Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has alleged that the General Manager of the Gambia Ferry Service was sent on leave because he made comments that the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) owes them 100 million Gambian dalasis.
“The Gambia ferry services General Manager is not sent on leave because of poor ferry service. You would all agree with me without doubt that the Banjul–Barra ferry services in the past 5 to 6 years the passenger’s lives have always been put into serious risk on a daily basis. Citizens have been crying and complaining about the negligent and carefree attitude of the authorities responsible for this vital ferry service. May God forbid if a disaster happens, every family in the Gambia, Senegal and beyond will be the victims.
“The Ministry of Transport, Works, Infrastructure and The Gambia Government continue to ignore this disaster waiting to happen. So, after the General Manager accused GPA of owing the ferry services over 100 million Dalasis, we learned that they put him on indefinite leave. Why?” he asked.
The United Democratic Party Youth President asked why the Gambia Ports Authority would build a police station in Mankamang Kunda, the birthplace of President Adama Barrow, but not address the ferry problem, which is a major issue for many Gambians.
“How could the Gambia Ports Authority build a police station in Mankamang Kunda but neglect the ferry services and put the conditions of the people in a dangerous and catastrophic plight? What is the essence of a police station in Mankamang Kunda when you have a police station in Bakadaji village just a kilometre away? If it is about protecting and saving lives, which one should be the priority between buying a new ferry that could safely transport people and generate income or spending millions to build a police station just to please one individual?” he continued.
He mentioned that there was another recent memo that showed that the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) spent millions on the rehabilitation of the Independent Stadium. However, he stated that the ferry services, which he believes need urgent attention, are being neglected.
“Now! Neither a new ferry nor correct independent stadium. That’s the consequences of corruption, favouritism and eye choosing friends to award them contracts in return for kickbacks. Over a hundred and sixty million was spent on a mere stadium renovation but, yet still, we are not qualified to host our international matches because of poor infrastructure. This is another massive socio– economic loss and demotivating young people of this country,” he concluded.