The Gambia government has announced that it will construct a new seaport in Kombo Sanyang as well as expand the Gambia Ports Authority in Banjul.

The new port in Sanyang is expected to be built by a Turkish firm Albayrak and Negmar Consortium whose official were in the country during the weekend to survey the two sides, as the company won the bidden construction.

Meanwhile, The Gambia government and the company are expect to sign the deal soon.

Mustapa Levent Adali, Albayrak Construction’s Port Investments Coordinator, said their visit was aimed to evaluate the best approach to the long-awaited port development.

According to him, due to a lack of modernisation and limited capacity to handle the increasing sea traffic, the port of Banjul has faced numerous challenges over the pass years. 

“As a result, vessels destined for The Gambia have been redirected to neighbouring countries such as Senegal, Guinea and Mali. The main focus of the port is container shipping, and the terminals are reportedly constrained,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba