By Binta Jaiteh
The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure,Ebrima Sillah briefed the Assembly on his ministry’s plans to reduce traffic congestion in the Gambia, especially between Banjul and Brikama.The minister informed the lawmakers during questions and answers sessions of the assembly held on Wednesday before it got adjourned.“My ministry has recognized the increasing challenge pose between Banjul and Brikama” Sillah stated.He explained that the anticipated completion of BertilHarding highway and the new Engineering Procurement and Construction Project (EPC) project in lot 5 and 6, hopefully the congestion will be minimized.
He said additionally his ministry was working with partners to launch the feasibility study for Sting Corner, Abuko, Mandinaring bypass road as a potential Public Private Partnership project. According to him, when that project is completed it will relief the Westfield, Tabokoto stretch particularly for Brikama bound traffic.
He noted that cognizant of the fact that the constructionof more roads will not automatically reduce traffic congestion his ministry is working with partners to establish well organized urban transport scheme such as a mass or bus rapid transit DRT system.
A lawmaker asked the minister about the duration of the construction.
The minister replied that the contract phase of the particular road is end of August and hopefully the contractor might finish ahead of time, even though the road is not yet completed but is still being used