Minister of Lands, Regional Government, Religious and NGO Affairs Hamat Bah has said President Adama Barrow is planning to revive the Kaur Port to create employment opportunities for residents and communities in the surrounding areas.

Bah made the remarks at Kaur Whaf Town, where he highlighted the historical and economic importance of the port to the community.

“President Barrow is coming to revive the port of Kaur to create more employment for the community and its surroundings,” Bah said.

He also appealed to President Barrow to consider rehabilitating roads serving Kaur Janneh, Touray and Whaf Town, saying improved infrastructure would complement efforts to revive economic activity in the area.

Bah said Kaur has played an important role in the country’s political history, noting its connection to the political career of former President Sir Dawda Jawara.

“Kaur has a story in Gambian politics because Jawara’s political career was set up here,” he said.

Beyond its political history, Bah said Kaur was once a vibrant economic centre because of its port and maritime activities.

He recalled that the port previously provided income for residents, with some workers earning about D3,000 and others making as much as D7,000 when maritime activities were particularly lucrative.

“Kaur used to be very lively because of its ports where some were paid 3,000 dalasis and when the sea gets lucrative you earn 7,000 dalasis,” Bah said.

Bah’s remarks placed the proposed revival of Kaur Port within a broader discussion about employment, infrastructure and economic opportunities for communities along the river.

The proposed port revival, he said, could restore economic activity and provide new opportunities for residents of Kaur and neighbouring communities.

He also stressed the importance of road infrastructure, appealing for the rehabilitation of roads connecting Kaur Janneh, Touray and Whaf Town to support movement and economic activity.

By Adama Makasuba