Vibrant, sustainable public transport system remains priority for government - VP Njie-Saidy

"A vibrant and sustainable public transport system remains a priority for government. In this regard, government has set up a multi-ministerial task force to assess GPTC and recommend the best way forward."

This was the answer to a question posed by Hon. Babanding KK Daffeh, the member for Kiang Central.

The NAM asked the Minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure, to tell the National Assembly what the government stance is on the Gambia Public Transport Corporation (GPTC) as of now or in the future.

He pointed out that public transportation of people, goods and services is a key social and economic sector in the country's development.

The Vice-President was standing in for the Minister of Works, Construction, and Infrastructure during the question and answer session, at the National Assembly meeting in Banjul on Monday.

Hon. Kebba Gaye of Jokadu, Hon. M L Sanneh, the Minority Leader and Member for Kiang West, Hon. Essa Saidykhan, the Member for Niamina Dankunku, all asked what plans the Works Ministry has to rehabilitate roads in their constituencies, and when the plans would be effected.

Vice-President Njie-Saidy, in response said the rehabilitation of the road from Kerr Jaine to Bali Mandinka is included in the list of EU funded pre-identification of feeder roads to be constructed.

This includes the Fass to Kerr Jaine, Sankadi to Karantaba to Misira and other major roads in Kiang West. She stated it also includes the feeder roads which links Niamina West and Niamina Dankunku Constituencies from Choya to Jessadi, Wharf Town.

However, she stated that Kerr Salleh to Kerr Jaine and Dasilami to Bali Mandinka would be incorporated in phase two of the feasibility study.

"The GPA ferries have long-term plans to provide a ferry at Sambang-Kani Kunda in the future, when adequate funds are available," she announced, in response to a question posed by Hon.Ousman Bah, the member for Sabach Sanjal, who asked whether the Ministry has any plans to provide a ferry at the Sambang-Kani Kunda crossing point.