The Ministry of Works dismissed Lawyer Darboe’s claims about the port’s sale as false and misleading, highlighting that the port remains government property. Key achievements under the current management include record dividends, staff salary increases, and infrastructural projects. The concession with Albayrak ensures continued government ownership while improving efficiency and capacity without financial contribution from the government.
The Ministry of Works has strongly denied claims made by Lawyer Darboe concerning the sale of the port, asserting that his statements were misleading and designed to undermine a significant advancement in port services in The Gambia. The Ministry clarified that the Port Concession negotiations were conducted with integrity and patriotism, assisted by an International Transactional Advisory Firm with extensive experience in similar large-scale projects across Europe and Africa.
Furthermore, the Ministry addressed Darboe’s derogatory remarks about the current management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), contrasting it with past administrations that operated during a dictatorship. During this dictator’s regime, resources were mismanaged, raising questions about the credibility of such comparisons. It emphasized that the Port of Banjul lacked growth until the early 1990s, with historical trade volumes closely tied to population increases.
Significant growth in port activity began post-2016, resulting in unprecedented demand and congestion. The current GPA management achieved the highest dividends for the Government in over a decade, significantly increasing from 20 million in 2018 to 190 million by 2021. Key accomplishments during this government include:
1. Establishing a private Stevedoring Dock Labour Company to replace dockworkers under the 1963 Labour Ordinance.
2. Salary increases and bonuses for staff after two decades of stagnation.
3. Launching the 4th Banjul Port Development Project.
4. Signing a new performance contract with the Government, effective since 1994.
5. Successfully signing a financial concession agreement with Albayrak without government funding, maintaining government ownership of fixed assets.
The article clarifies that contrary to claims of a sale, all GPA assets remain government property, while the investor assumes financial risks for operations, with a portion of gross revenues paid to the government. Additionally, the concession offers various benefits, including $19 million from the investor for operational improvements, 20% equity held by the GPA in the new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), and continued employment for existing staff under prior terms.
The Sanyang Deep Seaport is also highlighted, which will not require government funding and guarantees higher operational capacity, thereby reducing overall business costs. Other developments include inland ports and enhanced local company participation in joint ventures. This reinforces the notion that the port’s ownership remains intact under the Gambian government, and only its management and operations will be delegated.
The Ministry urges the public to dismiss the misinformation disseminated by the UDP, asserting that such claims are intended to mislead and discredit the government and its initiatives, which have proven successful despite the opposition’s efforts.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Works firmly refutes allegations regarding the sale of the port, emphasizing the government’s continued ownership and the positive impact of the Port Concession. Key achievements such as increased dividends, staff welfare improvements, and infrastructural developments reveal the successful direction of port management under the current administration. The government encourages the public to disregard misleading narratives aimed at discrediting its efforts in enhancing port services.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
