The
Gambia Ports Authority has announced steps in response to covid-19 pandemic,
including scaling down of non-essential staff and those reporting on rotational
basis.
The
management said all ships calling on the Banjul port will be subject to full
quarantine by the GPA public health staff before being cleared for berthing.
According
to GPA’s Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh, the measure is in line with WHO
recommendations as well as social distance observation procedures.
He
added that delivery trucks within the container terminals have also been minimised
to avoid overcrowding.
According
to him, basic hygiene will also be observed by placing hand washing taps and
sanitisers at all entry points and strategic locations within the ports and
ferry facilities for all staff and ferry users.
Ferries
plying Banjul-Barra are scaling down to four trips and will close at 7 p.m.
daily, he also said.
“Passenger
terminals and halls access have been minimised with priority accorded to
elderly and physically challenged,” he added.
He
revealed that all ports offices, container terminals, sheds and passenger
terminals at Banjul and Barra as well as ferries throughout the country will
also be fumigated by Ministry of Health officials.
MD
Jobateh also said that they are also utilising radio stations for public
sensitisation, saying ferry terminals’ PA systems are also used for public
announcements about basic hygiene and personal protection.
He
further said that civil society groups have assisted them with basic hygiene
materials
