By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, disclosed to the Members of the National Assembly that the SeneGambia Bridge generated D1.09 Billion in revenue from the 2021-2023 financial year.
The revelation came in response to a query raised by Honourable Alfusainey Ceesay, the National Assembly Member for Sami Constituency, during the assembly. Ceesay sought clarification on the funds generated by the SeneGambia Bridge during the specified period.
“The total amount of funds generated from the Senegambia Bridge from 2021-2023 financial years stands at 1.09 billion. This represents a collection of 285 million in 2021, 389 million for 2022, and 411.2 million for 2023. Stated Minister Keita.
Further inquiries from Hon. Ceesay pertained to the allocation of these funds. Minister Keita explained that the revenue is deposited into the consolidated revenue fund, contributing to the national budget.
Additionally, Hon. Lamin Ceesay, the National Assembly member for Kiang West, requested monthly revenue figures from the bridge. Minister Keita responded, “Honourable Speaker the substantive question to us was an annual request so if you want monthly we will provide it as well to the office of the clerk,” the minister responded.
Addressing concerns about the currency used for collections, Hon. Fatou Cham of Sannehmentering Constituency questioned whether collections were still conducted in CFA Francs. Minister Keita clarified that collections are now managed by the staff of the accountant general’s office.