The Minister revealed that out of the six engines purchased, three had already been delivered to the Gambia Ferry Services. “GFS has since issued a press release about the plan drive of the Kunta Kinteh ferry at the Banjul CP yard with marine air bags hired from Dakar, Senegal, this month in 2024 for major repairs including installation of the new engines,” Minister Sillah said.
He alluded that the repair works were expected to last for six weeks and included underwater scrapping removal of marine grove, bottom hole replanting, welding, painting, rehabilitation of repulsion systems and installation of the new engines.
The repair work would improve the technical suitability of the ferry to provide safer and more reliable services along the Banjul-Barra crossing points, the minister explained.
He said the engines were yet to be operated as they were under installation.
He also stated that the Gambia Ferry Services “generates” average monthly revenue of 4.4 million dalasis.
He as well pointed out that the building of a bridge over the Banjul-Barra crossing point was still a big priority for the Gambia government.
Currently, he explained, consultants are in the country doing the necessary surveys for alignment of the ECOWAS corridor including the Banjul-Barra crossing point.
“We are hopeful that once that is completed, we can attract the necessary funding or private sector participation to build the bridge,” he said.
