The World Bank-funded GIRAV project is financing the 18-month sub-projects designed to address the perennial problem of inadequate marketing infrastructure for commercial agriculture in The Gambia. The intervention forms part of ongoing efforts by the government and the World Bank to transition the country from subsistence to market-oriented agriculture.
Lumiere Prestations Group will construct the USD1.8 million ALC in Wassu, Central River Region North whilst Probatim Sarl will implement the USD1.9 million ALC at Macca Farafenni.
The ALCs will be constructed on an area of between 1 to 1.5 hectares and will have the following amenities: A weighbridge, two 500 sqm sheds with a quay each (potentially cold cell room included in one of these of 250 sqm partially solar energy powered for a total capacity of 200 tons), mini-industrial zone (sorting, grading lines, first packaging of products or processing of those that cannot be sent to the markets to reduce losses), offices for rent (banking structure) accommodation area, restroom facilities, administrative building, car park, and handling and parking area for trucks. Each ALCs will provide the following services: Dry/cold storage, Cross Docking and Grouping, Rest area for transporters, Primary processing services (Sorting, Grading, Packing).
Hon. Ousman Bah, Governor, Central River region and Hon. Lamin saidykhan, Governor, North Bank Region presided over the handover ceremony in their respective regions. The climax of the event was the introduction of the contractors to the Chief, Alkalo and members of the host community followed by a symbolic handshake and presentation of the map of the site to the contractor by the Governor.
Speaking on the occasion, both governors explained that the intervention is a clear testament to the importance government attaches to the transformation of the country’s Agri-Food Systems. They reminded the contractors of the need for them to deliver the projects within the agreed 18 months contract period. They enjoined the host communities to take ownership of the projects and contribute their quota during the implementation process.
Alhagie Pierre Bah, Chief of Niani and Alhagie Mustapha Dibba, Chief of Upper Baddibou made similar remarks. They underscored the need for the contractors to honour their agreement with the government as regards the project timeline lamenting that several projects have been derailed in the past by the contractors.
Speaking on behalf of their respective companies, Messrs Bamar Sillah, Managing Director, Lumiere Prestations Group and Momodou Jobe, Managing Director, Probatim Sarl both expressed their commitment to completing the works within the contract period. Elhagie Amadu Mbaye Ndiaye, Technical Director of Lumiere Prestations Group explained that they will be having both day and night shifts to ensure timely delivery of the proect. He reiterated their commitment to provide employment and skills development for the youths and enjoined the elders to encourage their youths to make good use of the opportunity.
Abdoulie Touray, Coordinator of the GIRAV Project explained that the investment strategy for Agro-logistics Centres (ALCs) is premised around the development of access to market for local production, combined with the improvement of domestic distribution. He said the government through funding from the World Bank through the GIRAV project is providing these two ALCs in the proximity of Lumos to provide important services in terms of aggregation, primary processing and storage which will benefit local production and reduce food losses. “The presence of warehouses and cold storage rooms in the proximity of borders in main ‘Lumos’ will promote local and international trade,” he noted.
Ba Lamin Keita, Alkalo of Wassu and Babacarr Touray, a representative of the Alkalolu of Macca Farafenni thanked the government and the World Bank for the intervention. They assured that they will measure up to expectations.
Other speakers included Mustapha Bah and Karamo Minteh, Regional Agriculture Director for CRRN and NBR respectively who also double as the Secretary to the Local Management Committee for the ALCs.
