Speaking during the opening of the Ministry’s annual retreat with State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) held at Bakadaji Hotel, Minister Sillah explained that the government is aware of the challenges faced by commuters, especially at the Barra-Banjul Crossing Point.
“We have seen interest from Gambian investors that expressed interest to either partner with the Ferry Services between Banjul and Barra or operate independently,” he disclosed, adding that in March 2024, he would lead a delegation including the chair of the ferry services to Holland to sign a contract for two new ferries for the Port of Banjul.
On policies, he explained that over the last 12 months, they have initiated several policies which they have been coordinating very effectively with various agencies and institutions under the ministry to bring in efficiency and synergy. He stated that one critical aspect of the ministry’s work is to have synergy and a sector-wide approach on cross-cutting issues.
Dwelling on the achievement of his ministry, Hon. Sillah said over 800 kilometres (kms) of roads are being constructed across the country, saying all are locally funded apart from the Bertil Harding Highway and 50km of OIC roads.
Ousainou Ngum, the chairman of SOEs, explained that the Works Ministry should be complimented for adopting a robust sector wide group to make sure that the sector coordinates and relates well. He said the agenda 2063 of the African Union highlights capable functioning states.
“So states need to be functioning and capable and I think as a nation, we are capable and functioning. The African Development Bank, about 10 years ago focused its intervention in the continent on structural transformation. The structural transformation primarily focuses on infrastructure integrating the continent,” he said, adding that The Gambia has seen the benefits of that in the Senegambia Bridge, and the ports expansion project among others.
Mod K. Ceesay, the chief of staff at the Office of the President, underscored the significance of the forum, saying it enables the sector to take stock of current challenges. He said the forum also provides the allocation to do consultative planning and enables participants to network and socialise to build trust and friendship.
Louis Moses Mendy, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Works, said the forum is to recollect and reexamine themselves as institutions to evaluate what they have done since the last retreat as a service provider to the nation.
“I want this retreat to be better than the last one and this can only be achieved through our collective participation. The common interest is to improve our service delivery to the society.”
