Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-04-08 09:48:58
For almost a month now, the ferry services between Banjul and Barra have not shown any signs of improvement. The Kunta Kinteh ferry is still under maintenance, leaving only the Kanilai ferry to operate for the time being. However, the situation is dire as there are times when only one trip is made in a whole day, and at other times, no trips are made at all. This has forced people to resort to using boats for the crossings, which are unaffordable due to operators taking advantage of the lack of ferry services to exploit the situation for profit.
The impact of the absence of ferry services is being felt across all aspects of life in the Nuimis and the entire North Bank region. Petty traders are struggling to make sales as the lack of ferry services limits their access to customers. Commercial drivers are facing challenges as they sometimes spend entire days with only one load due to the irregular ferry schedules, causing delays and financial losses. Even banks are feeling the effects, as the lack of revenue for the Gambia Ports Authority in North Bank leads to a decrease in deposits, impacting their operations and transactions.
Thousands of individuals who have businesses or need to travel to Banjul and the Kombos are unable to do so, further exacerbating the economic impact of the absence of ferry services. Additionally, the hundreds of people who used to travel from Senegal to buy goods in the region are now stranded, unable to continue their businesses due to the lack of transportation options. The collective losses incurred by these individuals and entities due to the absence of ferry services are staggering, potentially amounting to millions of dalasis.
Beyond the financial losses, the people of the Nuimis and the entire North Bank region are growing increasingly frustrated with the government for failing to address the ongoing issue with the ferry services. The Gambia Ports Authority’s failure to provide reliable and consistent ferry services is a source of discontent and disappointment for the affected communities.
It is crucial that urgent action is taken to address the situation and ensure the resumption of ferry services as soon as possible. The livelihoods and economic activities of countless individuals depend on the efficient operation of the ferry services, and the government must prioritize resolving this issue to alleviate the hardship being experienced by the people of the Nuimis and the North Bank region.
Read the original article on The Standard
