Banjul, 10th April 2025: After many months of meticulous assessment and strategic planning which focuses on evaluating capacities of the river jetties across The Gambia, under The Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project, the final report of the study was on Tuesday, 8th April 2025 officially handed over to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The report aims to unlock the significant tourism potential of the River Gambia by enhancing river transportation and improving access to the heart of The Gambia, and to stimulate new opportunities for eco-tourism, community development, and broader economic growth.
Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, in his welcome remarks, stated that the study provided in-depth analyses of various factors for each of the proposed jetty sites.
“This report underscores the importance of climate resilience in the face of environmental challenges; such as flooding and erosion, to ensure that our infrastructure remains robust and adaptive,” he said.
Minister Jobe further explained: “Initially, the study explored 29 potential jetty sites. It was later narrowed down to 10 priority sites with the highest potential for development. This prioritisation was conducted using a comprehensive weighting and scoring methodology, ensuring robust and data-driven approach”.
The minister further stated that the report findings will serve as a strategic framework for the development of resilient and sustainable tourism infrastructure along the River Gambia, playing a vital role in diversifying The Gambia’s tourism offerings.
He finally commended the Royal Haskoning – DHV for their diligent work in producing a comprehensive report.
By Lamin Njie
