This call was made last Friday at a press confab held at the NYP secretariat in Kanifing.
The presser comes on the heels of mounting pressure by a civil society organisation to stage a peaceful protest, which was denied by the Gambia Police Force, citing security concerns ahead of the OIC Summit in Banjul.
In a joint statement read by Marr Nyang, Founder and Executive Director of Gambia Participates, the whole issue is as a result of negligence and poor management of the Gambia Ferry Service.
‘The ferries have been overused, lack proper care, and the frequent procurement of engines from taxpayers’ money makes us suspicious that the authorities procured engines that are used and in a bad state, a terrible mismanagement and negligence! The stakes were high, and the authorities were not oblivious to it, but they sat and did nothing to mitigate the risks and as a result we are now in a national emergency!’
The officials also demanded that the mechanical problems affecting the ferries be adequately fixed and the immediate restoration of reliable ferry service not beyond the six weeks communicated to the public.
‘We also demand that two sea ambulances be purchased to transport patients who are referred to the EFSTH and beyond, to ensure safe and timely arrival and treatment, thereby reducing the chances of death from lack of transportation facilities. The police accelerate investigation into this crisis and ensure transparency in the publication of results to ensure adequate public accountability on the implementation of its gains.’
“Ramps be constructed both in Banjul and at Barra for the safe and convenient docking of the boats to ensure the dignity of the users, particularly old women. Adequate lifejackets be provided for boat owners and users, with appropriate sizes for children and infants.”
The group also demanded that there is adequate security presence at the boat landing sites to ensure that regulations such as wearing of life jackets and non-overloading of boats are adhered to by boat owners and users.
The Banjul - Barra Bridge, the group added, be constructed immediately as a sustainable solution.
“The responsible authorities must not enjoy blanket immunity for their negligence, we demand for their immediate dismissal for contributing to the loss of lives during the ferry crisis, the injuries sustained and the socio-economic hardship in affected families.”
It would be recalled that Niumi Hands, a member of the group was denied permit to stage a peaceful protest by The Gambia Police Force, citing security concerns ahead of the OIC Summit in Banjul.
