By Aminata Sanneh
The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has collaborated with Turkish Albayrak Group for a project to expand the Banjul Ports and for the construction of a new 12-meter Deep Seaport at Sanyang in Kombo South District of the West Coast Region. The signing ceremony was done last week at the Sir Dawda Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.
The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Hon. Ebrima Sillah signed on behalf of The Gambia Government whilst Albayrak Group‘s Chairman signed on behalf of his Group.
Albayrak Group has been described as the most prominent Turkish player in African port operations, notably across Central Africa. The group is known for its substantial projects in Somalia, Guinea, and Congo.
Officials of the group say Albayrak Group began its journey in the ports sector with Trabzon Port in Turkey. “Soon after, in 2014, they took over the operation of Mogadishu Port in Somalia for 20 years, followed by acquiring the management of Conakry Port in Guinea for 25 years”.
Last year, the Group won a bid against major companies from France, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.
With the agreement on the expansion and modernisation of the existing Banjul Port, as well as the construction of the new Sanyang Deep Seaport, Albayrak will upgrade Banjul Port ensuring it remains operational while the new Sanyang Port is under construction.
The new Sanyang seaport is expectecd to be completed within six years, with a 30-year operation plan in place. The strategic objective is to attract ships that had previously diverted to neighboring country due to Gambia’s outdated facilities.
