MARITIME ORGANISATION OF WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA (MOWCA)
Sub-Regional Sectoral Integration - for cost effective maritime/transit transport services, high on safety, security, low on pollution

Allafrica.org
Banjul

The vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, last Saturday, on behalf of President Jammeh, officially commissioned the 27.5 million dalasis Barra ferry terminal as well as some other related projects such as the new canteen blocks, the search and rescue tower, the refurbished Barra police station, and the underground pavement.

The new ferry terminal has a seating capacity of about 300 people in the waiting area, a VIP lounge, a canteen, and offices for Immigration personnel, and a conference room. The colorful ceremony, which was held in Barra, North Bank Region, was also attended by the speaker of the National Assembly - Honourable Elizabeth Renner, Chief Justice Emmanuel Agim, ministers, National Assembly members, local dignitaries and a cross section of the community of Barra. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Njie-Saidy said the inauguration of this landmark edifice reinforces government's commitment to transforming the country into a modern city state.

The new structure, according to her, will contribute to the socio-economic development of the North Bank Region as it will increase opportunities for trade in goods and services, especially among women. "This terminal with its related works adds to my government's infrastructural development for the region, which is manifested in the Essau-Barra-Amdalaye road, Essau-Kerewan road, Kerewan Bridge, Kerewan-Farafenni-Lamin Koto road, AFPRC General hospital in Farafenni, as well as construction of schools, health centers and provision of electricity," noted Dr Njie-Saidy.

The Gambia's vice president went on to declare that government will continue to accord the priority for continued development of ferry services throughout the country by encouraging The Gambia Ports Authority to construct passenger terminals at other crossing points along the River Gambia, and explore possibility of acquiring new generation ferries that will segregate passengers from freight and vehicles.

She implored the people of North Bank Region and the authorities at The Gambia Ports Authority to take proper care of the structure, stressing that proper maintenance must be a routine, as a way of guaranteeing durability. The minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure, Lamin Bojang, underscored the significance of the project, noting that its realization marked yet another milestone in the continued development of maritime transport, which he said is among the priorities of government's development plans for the country.

According to Minister Bojang, his ministry notes with pleasure the special attention and interest the president attaches to the ferry services over the years, assuring him of their unrelenting support to the GPA management in their drive to improving on facilities nationwide and transform the ferry services into a model service provider.

For his part, Momodou Lamin Gibba, managing director of The Gambia Ports Authority, described the commissioning of the project as yet another manifestation of government's resolve to meeting the demand of the people with a view to alleviating poverty. He spoke at length about the socio-economic development undertakings of The Gambia Ports Authority, noting that their intervention in the educational sector is one such example.

Describing the Barra Ferry Terminal project as significant, the GPA boss expressed their commitment to providing services to the doorsteps of the masses.

Mustapha Colley, chairman of the GPA board of directors, noted that the Barra Ferry Terminal and related works will go a long way in enhancing the socio-economic development of the country. The Inspector General of the Gambia Police Force, Ensa Badgie, hailed the Gambia Ports Authority for their timely intervention, noting that the refurbishment of the Barra Police Station has greatly aided his service institution. Edwarr Seckan, governor of the North Bank Region, described the project as a symbol of growth and development, noting that the Barra Ferry Terminal will boost transport communication in the area.

The project, he maintained, denotes President Jammeh's untiring commitment to improving on the livelihood of Gambians through his infrastructural developments investments. The National Assembly member for Lower Niumi, Cherno C Cham, expressed similar sentiments. NAM Cham used the opportunity to reiterate President Jammeh's call for attitudinal change, stressing the need for commitment, determination and honesty to push the development agenda of the government. The occasion was characterized by cultural performances from various cultural groups.