Lawmakers Engage Port Authority, Auditors on Cargo Handling in Banjul

Members of the Public Enterprise Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly have engaged the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and the National Audit Office (NAO) over persistent delays and operational challenges at the Port of Banjul.

The discussion took place during a joint session, where a follow-up audit report on cargo handling at the port was reviewed.

Presenting the findings, NAO Deputy Audit Manager Binta Ttawally said vessel turnaround times had worsened significantly. She noted that containerised cargo now takes between seven and 17 days to clear, while bulk cargo requires eight to 15 days, compared to two to three days and five to seven days respectively in previous audits.

Ttawally added that cargo throughput declined by 6.4 per cent in 2022 and 7.4 per cent in 2023, before rising by 19.2 per cent in 2024.

She attributed the delays to inadequate infrastructure, including limited berths and a shortage of cranes and other handling equipment, noting that implementation of improvement plans remains slow.

Auditors also cited poor stacking practices and congestion at the container terminal, although progress has been made in relocating the GPA headquarters.

She said the introduction of a 2024 rent waiver policy has improved transparency, while reforms in dockworker retirement and the signing of a performance contract with the Ministry of Finance were positive steps.

However, gaps remain in internal oversight, with incomplete records of audit committee meetings.

On private sector participation, Ttawally said the 30-year partnership with Turkish firm Albayrak, under which GPA holds a 20 per cent stake, has met earlier recommendations to improve port operations.

Lawmakers are expected to issue further recommendations to strengthen efficiency and accountability at the port.

Bakary Touray Jr