The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure refutes Lawyer Darboe’s claims of selling the Port, asserting that ownership of the Port remains with the Government of The Gambia. Key achievements under current management include financial growth, improved labor conditions, and ongoing projects in the Port and Sanyang Deep Seaport aimed at enhancing service delivery and infrastructure. The Ministry urges the public to reject misinformation from opposition sources.
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has publicly rejected allegations made by Lawyer Darboe regarding the sale of the Port of Banjul. The Ministry labeled his claims as intentionally misleading, asserting that they aimed to undermine a transformative business opportunity for Port Service delivery in The Gambia. It stressed that negotiations for the Port Concession were conducted in good faith and supported by an experienced International Transactional Advisory Firm.
Lawyer Darboe criticized the current management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), comparing them unfavorably to past managers. The Ministry countered, emphasizing that the GPA has demonstrated growth and success, particularly since the government’s inception in 2016, which resulted in significant congestion due to increased traffic and enhanced operational capacity at the Port.
Since 2016, the GPA has successfully increased its dividends to the government, showcasing their financial performance. Key achievements include the launch of modern projects, a significant increase in dividends, and improvements in worker conditions, such as salary hikes and new labor agreements. Notable initiatives encompass the severance of outdated labor practices and the creation of the Stevedoring Dock Labour Company.
The Concession agreement, entered with Albayrak, does not transfer ownership of Port assets to the investor, who shoulders financing risks while maintaining Government control over infrastructure. The Ministry clarified that the GPA retains 100% ownership of the Port and the benefits expected from the concession agreement include increased investment and improved efficiencies in both Banjul and the upcoming Sanyang Deep Seaport.
The Sanyang Deep Seaport project outlines several advantages, including no financial contribution from the government and enhancements to port traffic and infrastructure. Additionally, local companies will participate in developing new inland ports and platforms. The project also aims to strengthen local economic opportunities through investment and job creation.
The Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure urged the public to disregard misinformation from the opposition, which appears to seek to discredit the government’s successful initiatives. They reaffirmed the commitment to transparency and development in managing the Port and related projects.
Overall, the Ministry firmly reiterated that the Port of Banjul remains under Gambian government ownership, emphasizing the distinction between management and ownership within the context of the concession agreement.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure firmly defends the ongoing Port Concession project, highlighting the sustained ownership of the Port by The Gambia Government. It underscores the positive impact of recent managerial changes and strategic agreements with private partners. The Ministry calls for public awareness and caution against disinformation that seeks to undermine governmental progress in enhancing the nation’s port services.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
