By: Landing Ceesay
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Gambia Secretariat has signed an agreement worth about D5 billion [$100 million] for the construction of a five-star-hotel.
The Secretariat on Monday 12th April at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center, penned with Immoland Sarl [a construction company], the multibillion dalasi agreement ahead of the 2022 OIC summit in Banjul for the construction of a hotel expected to last between 18 to 20 months.
The five-star hotel according to OIC Gambia will provide a luxurious accommodation for the guests during the convergence. The edifice is also expected to reinforce the preeminent position of the country as a tourist destination and a hub for international gatherings.
The event attracted the Vice President, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Immoland Sarl and OIC Gambia, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gambia’s Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray, said her government will achieve the infrastructural development requirement for the OIC summit.
“Key among the infrastructural requirements for the OIC summit, is the provision of excellent accommodation facilities for the heads of state and governments and their delegations. It is therefore my government’s wish to achieve this objective as well as enhance the tourism potential of the Gambia through the development of first-class tourism facilities, hotels, lodges and parks through the commercialization of certain operations pertaining to the Gambia’s Development Areas,” VP Touray said.
The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat N.K. Bah, said The Gambia government is committed to supporting Immoland Sarl to complete the project within the time frame.
“We all know to build a five-star hotel between 18 to 20 months is going to be difficult because to build such an edifice takes 18 to 24 months minimum. But the Barrow government will give Immoland construction company all the support they need to complete the project between 18 to 20 months’ time frame,” Bah stated.
Chief Executive Officer of OIC Gambia Secretariat, Yankuba Dibba, implored both parties to implement the agreement.
“Given the short period of time available until the summit, I implore both parties to this agreement to immediately set to work and ensure a smooth and timely implementation of this agreement. We do not have the luxury to stall on the delivery of this very important commitment,” Dibba implored.
Meanwhile, Chairman Immoland Sarl, Mr. Abdoulaye Thiam, said the investment is based on the spirit of creating and promoting Inter-African Cooperation, and especially cooperation between Senegal and The Gambia.
“It is my strong belief that we Africans should begin to promote trade and investments among ourselves instead of always depending on foreign sources for financing. My company IMMOLAND SARL provided 100% of the financing of this five-star hotel. The hotel is expected to be built between 18 to 20 months. It will also be the product of excellent technical and engineering techniques, and [it] will transfer knowledge and capacity to Gambian youths,” he said.
Thiam said the hotel will significantly contribute to the local economy and create jobs especially for the young people of Senegambia.
The concession agreement for the OIC five-star hotel is worth $100 million [about D5 billion] which is expected to complete in 18 to 20 months.
The Gambia is a member of the Organization for the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The country is gearing to host the next summit of the OIC heads of state and government in 2022, which requires suitable accommodation for delegates from the member states.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, is an international organisation founded in 1969, comprising 57 member states, mainly majority Muslim states, according to research.
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