By: Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia Transport Union(GTU) has found a resolution to the dispute between commuters from Banyaka and drivers,plying the Tippa Garage-Banyaka Highway.
It could be recalled that in a press conference organized on the 12th of October 2024, the villagers of Banyaka expressed their discontent with the behavior of the drivers, plying that road. They accused the drivers of not complying with the destination directed by the stipulated tariff of The Gambia Transport Union, which covers from Tippa Garage to Kunkujang Mariama via Banyaka village.
Sainey Camara, the Alkalo of Banyaka, revealed in that press conference that his village has been struggling with such circumstances for the past three years, adding that they want to resolve the matter peacefully.
Almamo Touray, the secretary-general of Banyaka VDC, also stated in the same press conference that the drivers were not allowing him to enter their vehicle because of his position in the village.
Omar Ceesay, the president of The Gambia Transport Union, told The Voice newspaper in a telephone conversation yesterday that the issue has been resolved peacefully during a meeting with the parties concerned at his office in Banjul on Monday, 4th November 2024.
‘’We discussed with them. Their constraints and challenges were raised and it was understood. The constraints raised are beyond both parties. It is about the road network. So, the drivers will work according to the previous model. Now, we will work together to see how we can solve the issue of road networks. The Alkalo and the garage chairman mutually understood and promised to work together. The issue of the secretary-general not allowed to use the vehicles has also been settled,’’ Mr Ceesay told The Voice.
It would be recalled that the Banyaka VDC wrote a letter to the Gambia Transport Union on July 29th, 2024, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, dated October 2nd, 2024, calling for their intervention in the saga.