By Aminata Sanneh
The Minister of Transport Works, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, has affirmed government’s desire and determination to construct a bridge between Banjul and Barra, as part of the ECOWAS Corridor project. He revealed that a feasibility study has started to that effect.
The Minister made this announcement last week during the contract signing between the Gambia Ferry Service and Damen Shipyard for the construction of two new green (solar-powered) ferries.
Recently, the ferry services have faced operational challenges, leading to cancellations and a complete halt in operations. The engine failure of the Kanilai ferry mid-water while passengers, vehicles and goods were onboard brought about some chaos, raising public concern about safety along the country biggest crossing point, thus the temporal shutting down of operations as a safety measure while maintenance works progress.
The dire situation had prompted President Barrow to make an unannounced visit to the Banjul shipyard to get firsthand information and to devise remedy to the situation.
The Minister took the opportunity to apologise to Gambians, on behalf government, for the inconvenience caused by the halting of the ferry operations.
As a measure to ameliorate the suffering of commuters, Minister Sillah announced that the government is currently partnering with boat owners, and the Alkalo of Barra to offer free crossing services to students, people with special needs, health professionals and service personnel among others.
He went on: “As temporal solution we are working with the navy to ensure passengers adhere to safety protocols by wearing life jackets and separating the transportation of people from their properties”.
He also revealed that the government has issued two licenses to the private investors for the operation of ferry services who are yet to start operation. He extended government’s invitation to investors for the operational management of the two new green solar-powered ferries being purchased.
The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Mrs Rohey Malick Lowe commended the government for heeding to public calls. She said the contract being signed shows the Barrow administration’s commitment to ensuring public service is effective and efficient. “I urge all Gambians to take ownership of the ferries and be responsible,” she advised. Similar sentiments were echoed by National Assembly members, chiefs, among others.
The green ferries are expected to be delivered to the Gambia ferry services within 16 months after signature date.
