The visit was prompted by concerns raised by members of the public about hygiene, safety, and organisation within the Tourist Development Area (TDA), especially the Bijilo Tourist Taxi Park. The minister was accompanied by the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) and other senior officials to assess the situation firsthand and engage directly with the taxi drivers operating at the park.
Addressing the drivers after inspecting the site, Minister Jobe said the purpose of the visit was not to remove the taxi park but to identify ways to improve its condition as part of the country’s tourism product.
“I have received complaints about this particular car park, and it is important that the GTBoard works with the users of this space to make it more organised and conducive for both operators and the environment,” he said. “This area forms part of our tourism offering, and we must ensure it gives a positive image of our destination.”
He pointed out concerns relating to the state of sanitation facilities, including a toilet near the Coco Ocean Hotel fence, and stressed the need for better organisation and inclusion of the area under GTBoard’s management responsibilities.
Responding to the minister, the secretary of the Bijilo Tourist Taxi Park, Modou Faal, appealed for the provision of basic facilities, particularly a restroom.
“We wrote to the GTBoard two weeks ago requesting a restroom because we currently do not have one,” he said. “Whenever nature calls, we have to go far to neighbouring places. We also need this area to be sand-filled because during the rainy season, vehicles get stuck, and it becomes difficult to park, especially when the place is busy.”
Another driver, Yousupha Cham, who is also a member of the taxi park committee, raised concerns about security and safety, especially at night. He called for the installation of street lights in the area and better coordination with nearby hotels.
“This place is very dark at night, yet guests come at all hours. It is not safe,” he explained. “We are appealing to the GTBoard to engage hotels so that taxi controllers can be stationed there. This will prevent drivers from rushing at guests when they come out, which can be frightening, especially at night.”
Cham also highlighted that drivers at the park comply with GTBoard regulations, noting that vehicles are kept clean, controllers wear uniforms, and only drivers with valid GTBoard cards are allowed to operate.
On waste management, Faal explained that drivers conduct monthly communal cleansing exercises, locally known as set-settal, due to the large number of fallen leaves in the area.
In response, Minister Jobe reminded the drivers that the cleanliness of their work environment is a shared responsibility.
“The cleanliness of this place is for your own benefit,” he said. “When tourists see a clean environment, they feel comfortable. When they see dirt, they are discouraged. Beautifying our country is not only the responsibility of the government or the GTBoard; it is the duty of every individual.”
He assured the drivers that they would not be displaced from the area, acknowledging the essential role they play in providing transport services to tourists. However, he urged them to work collectively to keep the environment clean and presentable.
The minister concluded by assuring the drivers that their concerns had been noted and that efforts would be made, in collaboration with the GTBoard, to address issues such as the provision of proper toilet facilities, lighting, and general improvement of the area.
