Ministry of Transport Refutes Lawyer Darboe’s Allegations…

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure denies Lawyer Darboe’s claims that the Port was sold, stating that the government retains full ownership while entering into a concession for operational management. Significant growth in port services and dividends under the current management are highlighted as evidence of successful governance since 2016. The Ministry urges the public to dismiss misleading information from opposing political factions regarding the port’s future.

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure firmly denies Lawyer Darboe’s claims regarding the alleged sale of the Port, describing his remarks as misleading and intended to discredit a transformative business opportunity for Port Service delivery in The Gambia. The ministry emphasizes that its negotiation process, conducted with partners and supported by an experienced International Transactional Advisory Firm, was grounded in patriotism and a commitment to the nation’s progress.

Critiquing Lawyer Darboe’s lack of understanding regarding port operations, the Ministry asserts that the current management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has made significant contributions, in stark contrast to a historically oppressive regime. They note that the Port of Banjul was limited in capacity until significant growth occurred post-1992, leading to acute congestion fueled by increased trade after the government transitioned in 2016.

Under the current management, the GPA has made substantial financial contributions to the government, with dividends rising from 20 million dalasis in 2018 to 190 million in 2021. The new government has initiated several key achievements, including the establishment of a private Stevedoring Dock Labour Company, salary increases after two decades, the launch of the 4th Banjul Port Development Project, and the signing of a concession agreement with Albayrak without financial contribution from the government. Notably, GPA’s fixed assets remain under government ownership.

The pros of the concession agreement include the government retaining 20% equity in the new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and an investment of USD 19 million from the investor for enhancing port efficiency over six years. Other benefits comprise annual payments to the government from gross revenue, reserve funds for future investments, job security for current employees, and representation of the GPA in project management.

The Sanyang Deep Seaport project is set to offer numerous advantages, such as improved draft capacity and reduced operating costs due to increased traffic forecasts. Furthermore, local enterprises are anticipated to engage in associated logistics platforms, while substantial local content provisions are earmarked for governmental benefit.

In summary, the Ministry underscores that the Gambia Government retains full ownership of the Port while delegating management and operational functions to a private entity. The public is advised to dismiss the misleading assertions made by the UDP and not to distract from the success of the Port Concession Project.

In summation, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure refutes the claims made by Lawyer Darboe regarding the Port, asserting that the Gambia Government maintains complete ownership while enhancing operational management through a concession. The substantial contributions from GPA and various advantages of the concession agreement indicate a positive trajectory for port services in The Gambia. The public is encouraged to disregard misinformation that seeks to undermine this initiative.

Original Source: thepoint.gm