Responding, Minister Keita told the Assembly that government had engaged Social Security to support GTSC in improving public transport across the country. He said that from 2023 to early 2025, Social Security spent €13,381,690 for 70 buses. Using a conversion rate of 84.26 dalasis per Euro, he estimated the total at D1,127,541,199.
Hon. Sanneh raised a second question on whether the financing was a loan to the Government of The Gambia or to GTSC, noting that taxpayers’ money and retirement funds were involved.
In reply, the minister said Social Security had already paid for the 70 buses, amounting to €13,281,060 between 2023 and 2025. He added that an agreement had been reached between the Ministry of Finance, SSHFC and GTSC on how the financing would be settled. He told lawmakers that the document could be made available on request.
Pressed further on how much government itself would contribute in repaying the loan, the minister simply stated that the financing agreement gives the allocation to each party, and those details are contained in the document. Hon. Sanneh then formally requested a copy for the Assembly.
The debate continued with Hon. Lamin Ceesay of Kiang West, who questioned the nature of the arrangement. He noted that the minister’s responses suggested the initiative originated from government and was passed down to Social Security and then to GTSC as a subsidiary. He asked whether the entire €13 million was part of the original plan, or if the amount had changed over time.
Minister Keita explained that GTSC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Social Security. He said the directive came from the Executive, but GTSC operates buses and generates revenue, which is why the arrangement was structured the way it was. He reminded members that public transport is subsidized globally.
He said part of the revenue generated by the buses will be used by GTSC to cover some of the cost, while government will subsidize the rest and it is this subsidy element that forms the government’s financial commitment to the arrangement.
