Commuters continue to suffer hardships in many parts of the country as drivers’ strike entered into day two.

The umbrella body of drivers, The Gambia Transport Union, started an indefinite strike on Monday after the government failed to meet its demands. 

They included raising fares due to the high price of fuel, the reduction of the toll fees at the Senegambia Bridge as well as reduction of the many police checkpoints on the roads.   

Omar Ceesay, president of The Gambia Transport Union, issued a defiant statement to ask his union members to continue with the strike.

“Pending the meeting of our demands, we are again informing all our esteemed members that the ongoing sit-down strike will continue tomorrow Tuesday 13th September 2022. 

“We urged all drivers to stay home and calm while the union continues its engagement to augment conditions of service. The outcome of engagements will be duly communicated to all drivers,” Mr Ceesay said.

“While we commiserate with the plight of our loyal passengers and customers, we wish to reassure all drivers that their welfare is the Union’s priority,” he added.

The Ministry of Transport and Gambia Police Force have made interventions and provided alternative transportation arrangements for commuters. 

But despite their best efforts, many commuters still struggled to get to work.

However, in some part of the country transportation improved a little today compared to Monday, as some commercial vehicles like vans and taxis flouted their union’s call to stay home. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba