The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure on Tuesday (20 September) signed a 50million dalasis Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Gambia Armed Forces for the relocation of services such as water pipes, electrical poles and cables for the 50 kilometres roads for the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) project.

The signing ceremony was held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.

It was witnessed by Ebrima Sillah, Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Abba Sanyang, Minister for Lands, Abdou Jobe, Minister for Petroleum, Momodou Senghore, managing director of The National Roads Authority, Major General, Mam Matarr Secka, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and other senior government officials.

In an exclusive interview with Matarr Ceesay, director of Technical Services, Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, said the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure and the Gambia Armed Forces, would go a long way in complementing government efforts in making sure that the OIC project is completed within the stipulated time frame.

“This initiative was actually spearheaded by the Honourable Minister Ebrima Sillah himself as a way of helping and manage the cost of relocation of services which has been one of the main challenges of the 50 kilometers OIC roads project. 

It will also help to capitalize the skills of the Gambia Armed Forces as they are having an engineering unit,” he said.

According to him, this is an opportunity to engage the military as they have been lacking such to be fully engage in such a national development project.

“We have 20 roads under this project. We will start with the priority areas which is Brufut, Kanifing and other areas like Kotu, Sukuta and Old Jeshwang. 

“They will help with the relocation of water and electricity poles, foundations and other related issues. They will be under the supervision of Nawec,” he said. The contract is expected to end in 12 months.

By Lamin Njie

Ministry of Transport