These allegations range from alleged graft, abuse of office and award of contracts for the construction of eco lodges, among others by the GT Board.
The chairperson of the Committee and Member for Wuli East, Hon Suwaibou Touray, said the Committee received petition from some concerned staff of GTB alleging graft and abuse of office by the GT Board.
“The Committee heard from the petitioners and many other witnesses in this matter ranging from the DG, and different people adversely mentioned by the GPPA, GT Board and project contractors among others,” he said.
Hamat N.K. Bah, the minister explained that the idea of the eco-lodges is a way that government wants to promote domestic regional tourism which is meant to reintroduce tourism in the rural Gambia.
The contract for the construction of the eco-lodges was awarded to Lerr Group.
When questioned about the construction, Mr Bah, claimed he did not know why the contract was awarded to Lerr Group, but said it was a bad experience.
Mr. Bah, however, told the Public Petition Committee that he did not know the details of the contract for the construction of eco-lodges, stating that his ministry was not involved in the bidding or any other process, even though he presided over the laying of the foundation stone in Barra.
The contractor alleged he was not given a dime after constructing half concreted storey building of the lodge in Barra and said he was promised to be paid for the contract.
“If it was the Ministry’s command, the contractor should provide documented evidence to prove his claim,” Mr Bah told the Committee.
When asked whether he interfered in land allocations, the minister denied any personal involvement, saying “allocations were made by a Lands Committee in consultation with GT-Board while the ministry is only involved when decisions are already taken.”
He said he could not remember the composition of the Lands Committee and how many investors were allocated.
The petitioners also alleged that former board Chairman Abdoulie Baks Touray was removed following his decision to receive and grant audience to the staff aggrieved by the conduct of awarding the contract for eco lodges.
However, Minister Bah said the board was dissolved because it failed to implement his directive for the GT Board staff to be sent home during Covid-19.
The minister was also accused of influencing the employment of some staff at the GT Board.
But he told lawmakers that he did not influence the employment of anybody, stating that employment was made in accordance with qualifications.
