By: Binta Jaiteh
Abdoulie Sanyang, the Minister for Interior has told lawmakers that his ministry and the Gambia Police Force(GPF) are in consultation with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice to gazette driver’s license validity period from one year to three years.
He made this declaration while reacting to a question raised by lawmaker for Sabach Sanjal Alagie Babou Ceesay, who pointed out that section 27 subsection 3 of the Motor Traffic Act, chapter 7003, Vol.10 revised laws of The Gambia 2009, provides that a driver’s license issued by the license authority shall be valid for three years, except a provisional driver’s license for learners, which is valid for three months.
“This made it impossible for the license authority to issue a driver’s license without a validity period of less than or more than three years,’’NAM Ceesay pointed out.
The interior minister also pointed out that the duration of a driver’s license under section 273 is very restrictive and the current fees prescribed for a driver’s license is expensive for the average citizen and residents. He insisted that the Ministry of the Interior is seeking to amend section 23 in order to create an option for the general public through regulation under 19 sub-section 1(j) to select a driving license with a validity period which is convenient and affordable to them.
The lawmaker advised him that for sustainability purposes, the Ministry does not need to consult further because section 27 of the Motor Traffic Act is very clear and states that a driver’s license, other than a provisional driver’s license shall, unless previously revoked or surrendered remain in force for a period of three years from the day on which it is issued.
At this juncture, the Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jattainterjected and enquired from NAM Ceesay his intention but Ceesay replied that he is bringing the attention of the Minster to the said clause of the constitution but Speaker told him that the minister has provided the clause.
The Speaker further told him that the ministry of Justice is responsible for the interpretation of those issues as the ministry is responsible for legal affairs of the government. Even if you are a professional lawyer you must reference them.
Hon. Ceesay fired back saying that is only when the law is not clear.
“This is a matter of question and answer don’t create a debate, the minister has rightly told you that they are considering the matter due to the clause”, speaker argued.
The Minister clarified that since 20 to 30 years ago we only issue license for one year knowing that it is 3 years meaning the cost of the license is D850.
“Now we have realized that we want to change to adopt to the law for 3 years. But if today we happen to do that we will add the amount of the 3 years together, and that will not be good for everybody because not everyone can afford it”, he explained.
However, he said this is reason I said we are in consultation to look for other options whether for 1 year, 2 or 3 years which will be included in the law.
The member adamantly replied that the law is very clear on the issuance of drivers license. “ I think what the system is doing is in conflict with the law.
“The Speaker angrily told the member that this has been happening for the past 20 to 30 years where were you”, he asked. Also adding that it is because of the question it posed, that is why the ministry is trying to regularize the situation for the ease of everybody adding that we don’t know why licenses are being issued for 1 year instead of 3 years. The only people qualified to update the Assembly is the Attorney General’s Chamber’s and the relevant institutions.
The lawmaker for Badibou Central Hon. Sulayman Saho challenged the Speaker by stating that it is high time Gambians to know what has been happening with regards to issuing of licenses that are unconstitutional.
The Minister went further to explain that the consultation is meant to provide for various options as to whether you want to go for 1 year, 2, to 3 years or even beyond.
