#National News

GAMWORKS holds 15th AGM, celebrates 31 years of infrastructure development

Jan 31, 2025, 11:39 AM | Article By: Isatou Ceesay Bah

The Gambian Agency for the Management of Public Works (GAMWORKS) has convened its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its headquarters in Kanifing. This significant occasion also celebrated the agency’s 31st anniversary, highlighting its long-standing commitment to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development.

Founded in 1993 by the Government of The Gambia with backing from the World Bank/IDA, GAMWORKS is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to executing public infrastructure projects. 

Throughout the years, it has collaborated extensively with various development partners, such as the World Bank, the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), KfW of Germany, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), among others.

During his speech, GAMWORKS Chairman Mr. Salieu Taal underscored the agency's robust financial standing, revealing a total income of GMD 527 million for 2023. He stressed the organisation’s dedication to transparency and responsible financial stewardship, guaranteeing that resources are utilised effectively.

Mr. Taal emphasised GAMWORKS' ongoing commitment to investing in its workforce, enhancing its ability to thrive in the fast-changing infrastructure sector. He proudly revealed that the agency's audited financial accounts from 2021 to 2023 received an unqualified opinion, affirming their accuracy and adherence to financial regulations. 

He praised the Director General and his team for their exemplary resource management, announcing the development of a new five-year Strategic Plan aimed at ensuring GAMWORKS stays adaptable and responsive to evolving socio-economic challenges.

Mr. Omar Gaye, the Director General of GAMWORKS, reviewed the agency's accomplishments throughout the years.

He stressed significant initiatives such as the ECOWAS Fund’s Regional Stability and Development (FRSD) Project, the IsDB-funded Enhancing Value Addition in the Groundnut Sector (GGC Project), the construction and refurbishment of health facilities across five regions by the Ministry of Health, as well as the headquarters of the National Records Service, and the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) office and staff quarters in Soma.

Mr. Gaye highlighted that these projects have significantly enhanced infrastructure, while also stimulating local economic growth and generating a multitude of job opportunities.

 He disclosed that the Government of The Gambia has partnered with GAMWORKS to establish a Framework Agreement aimed at overseeing a range of works, goods, services, and studies pertaining to infrastructure and civil projects across all governmental sectors.

"Currently in the final stages of negotiation, this agreement is anticipated to be transformative for the agency, greatly enhancing its portfolio and expanding its operational capabilities."

“Mr. Gaye emphasised that while this new framework will necessitate innovative operational and management strategies, the team is fully prepared to embrace the challenge and is dedicated to achieving outstanding results.”

With its proven success, solid financial foundation, and unwavering commitment to excellence, GAMWORKS remains an essential contributor to The Gambia’s infrastructural advancement, establishing itself as a crucial partner in the nation's development path.