The landmark ceremony marks a significant milestone in the country's journey toward robust economic development. This ambitious project also symbolises a strong commitment by the Barrow government to investing in crucial infrastructure, which is vital for fostering sustainable growth and uplifting the lives of Gambians.
This 12-meter deep sea facility marks a major milestone in national infrastructure development and is a flagship initiative under the strategic partnership between the government of The Gambia, the Gambia Ports Authority, and Albayrak Group, implemented through the Alport Banjul concession agreement.
Once operational, the Deep Sea Port is set to transform the economic landscape, propelling the nation forward while generating a wealth of job opportunities. However, this monumental venture also promises to enhance trade and commerce, ultimately paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Gambians.
After the symbolic laying of the foundation stone at the beach side, the Gambian leader, Adama Barrow later addressed a well-attended gathering at the Sanyang Football field.
Addressing the gathering, President Barrow, reminded that The Gambia’s socio-economic progress hinges to a large extent on developments in international trade.
This, he said, makes it essential that the country’s major trade gateways, such as the seaport, airport, and telecommunications systems, are developed, maximally utilised, and maintained.
“Such insightful considerations and the transport infrastructure development priorities of our National Development Plan - Yiriwa informed the decision to construct a new deep seaport in this locality. Principally, the Sanyang Deep Seaport is intended to address the constraints associated with the long-serving Port in Banjul. It is also envisioned to contribute to transforming the country into a centre of excellence for sub-regional trade and distribution, as well as value-added and re-export activities.”
The Gambian leader acknowledged that The Gambia Port Authority (GPA) has been operating for the past years within its limited infrastructure, compared to the ever-increasing volume of cargo being handled.
“The numerous challenges it had to tackle were in relation to space constraints and congestion, both within the existing terminals and the access roads leading to the Port.”
He revealed that the data sets available show that the volume of cargo handled at the Port of Banjul grew at an annual average of seven percent (7%) from 2008 to 2015.
With the 2017 change of government and the subsequent increased confidence in The Gambia, he added that cargo volumes surged by more than eighteen percent (18%).
“This growth rate has further compounded the capacity constraints at the Port, as the facility can no longer cope with the increased volume. The situation has led to an increase in waiting time for ships, congestion, low productivity, and demurrage charges, all of which contribute to higher cost of business transactions and increased cost of essential goods in the local market. Thus, the need to expand the Port facilities to take advantage of the growing volume of trade in the country is clearly evident.” he further stated.
Mr. Cem Ozturk, speaking on behalf of the chairman of Albayrak Group of companies, a Turkish conglomerate with extensive experience in port infrastructure across Africa, described the project as another positive steps in the country’s Ports expansion project, highlighting the impact it will have on the people in the area and the whole country at large.
He equally expressed delight to reach this concession agreement with the Government as part of the country’s infrastructural development drive especially in expanding its ports operation to accommodate bigger and more vessels.
He thanked the Gambian officials for the agreement reached in such an important development initiative designed to transform the country’s economic landscape.
Ousman Jobarteh, managing director of The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), underscored the importance of this ambitious port project, highlighting the impact it will have in the country’s maritime sector.
MD Jobarteh also recalled the period when the original concept of this Deep Sea Port project started years ago and that it involves a lot of stakeholder engagements and assessments.
To his end, he paid glowing tribute to all the past managing Directors of the Gambia Ports Authority for their efforts and contribution in making this day a reality.
Government Ousman Bojang of West Coast Region, said the day marks another milestone especially in the history of country and his legacy as he lays the foundation stone of his ambitious project.
Governor Bojang spoke highly of this Deep Sea Port and its potentials to turn the coastal settlement of Sanyang into a modern city, adding that his visionary leadership and wise thinking has changed the country’s transformative path to robust sustainable development.
Speaking earlier, Lamin Jabang, alkalo of Sanyang and Falalo Touray, chief of Kombo South, both described the event as historic in the whole of Kombo and the entire country, recalling that many years ago, according to history, it is told each time the road from Brikama connects to Sanyang Sea, the people of the area will witness transformative development.
