The Gambia Ports Authority has said it has been losing 70% of revenue since coronavirus emerged in the country.

The sea port is one of Gambia’s main source of income as it could generate millions of dalasi in a day to the country’s coffers.

But speaking to the spokesman of the ports, Omar Touray, said: “the institution has lost 60%-79% of Revenue due to Covid-19.”

According to him, many goods are transit from the ports to other regional countries like Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Bissau and Mali, adding that “currently everything is stopped because all the borders are closed due to the virus, so that seriously affects the economy of the institution.”

Mr Touray added: “All benefits will never stop despite this hard time so it is another big challenge for us because not much is earned compared to the previous situation.”

The Gambia, which has confirmed 9 cases of Covid-19, is in a state of lockdown until at least May as the government fights to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba