The UTGSU discloses in the press statement that the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) and the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) have resolved their issues and ensured the continued availability of 20 buses, courtesy of their (UTGSU) intervention.
"This development," it further adds, "marks a significant thread towards remedying the transportation ordeal and restoring the trust and confidence of our student body."
The students' body underscores that the recent transportation challenges, which left students with only 10 to 15 buses available, severely hampered students' academic pursuits and triggered dissatisfaction among the students.
Nevertheless, it expresses its appreciation of the joint efforts of all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, in resolving this issue.
However, it has also urged MoHERST to take proactive measures to prevent students from suffering and avoid waiting on the Union to address their responsibility as outlined in their MoU with GTSC.
It states: "Therefore, while we acknowledge this positive change of providing the agreed-upon number of 20 buses, we wish to firmly emphasise our solid stance regarding the sustenance of this service. Emphatically, the stakeholders are hereby informed that, henceforth, if the agreed-upon number of 20 buses are not consistently maintained, the Ad Hoc Committee shall take immediate and decisive actions to protect the welfare and interests of the students.
"This Ad Hoc Committee, empowered by the leadership of the Union (and the affected sub-associations), is unwaveringly committed to advocating for the welfare of students and will not hesitate to mobilise for actions if the service is not consistently maintained.
"Today, more than ever, the UTG Students Union stands strongly united in ensuring that the voices of our students are heard and respected. To this end, we embolden all stakeholders, particularly MOHERST, to continue prioritising our transportation needs and implement strategies to prevent future challenges of this nature. Additionally, we encourage GTSC to adhere to the scheduled departure times and designated pickup points, and urge the UTG management to speak with lecturers about admitting students who arrive late for lectures due to delayed bus departures."
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