By Omar
The Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Ousman Jobarteh, has announced plans to engage the Sanyang community to address concerns regarding the ongoing port expansion project. This development follows a letter from the village’s lawyer, Lamin J. Darbo, who voiced concerns about the government’s intentions to evacuate 461 properties and settlements to facilitate the expansion in Sanyang.
Lawyer Darbo stressed the importance of the government providing adequate compensation to the affected residents. The community advocates for all Deep-Sea Port (DSP) facilities in the sparsely populated Tourism Development Area (TDA) to minimize the impact on existing settlements.
Additionally, the community expressed dissatisfaction with the GPA’s communication, stating, “No project of this magnitude should engage a consultancy company to mark arbitrarily and value properties without a clear Master Plan.” Darbo further highlighted that his clients conducted thorough research, comparing similar regional deep-sea ports, and noted that Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port occupies only 90 hectares while serving a population exceeding 230 million. He questioned the GPA’s decision to allocate such a sizable area for the relatively small Gambia.
To navigate the intricate legal framework outlined in Section 22 of the Constitution, Darbo strongly advised that all facilities for the Development Support Program (DSP) be situated in the minimally developed Tourism Development Area, specifically beyond the old Hawba settlement located between Sanyang and Tujereng along the coastline.
In addressing the community’s concerns, MD Jobarteh affirmed that the Gambia Port Authority (GPA) acknowledges the significance of community involvement in port development initiatives. He highlighted that the GPA actively collaborates with the Sanyang community through the Village Development Committee (VDC) to address their issues. Following a joint meeting with the VDC, the Ministry of Transport has directed the community to nominate representatives to serve on the Project Steering Committee, which the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport chairs.
“This Steering Committee comprises representatives from all pertinent government stakeholders to oversee project planning and implementation,” Jobarteh elaborated. He reassured that all future interactions with the Sanyang community would be conducted in partnership with the VDC to ensure effective communication and smooth execution.
He underscored that the expansion aims to enhance service delivery at the Port of Banjul and improve cargo handling efficiency. “This engagement is part of the GPA’s broader strategy to keep local stakeholders well-informed and engaged in the expansion process, which includes substantial investments in new equipment and infrastructure enhancements. This approach reflects the GPA’s commitment to nurturing positive relationships with communities affected by port operations,” he concluded.
