Hon. Ebrima Sillah, The Minister Of Transport, Works And Infrastructure
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Ebrima Sillah, The Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, addressed the National Assembly on the outcomes of the government’s road clearance operation, emphasizing its impact on traffic flow and public safety.
Responding to a parliamentary inquiry about the tangible benefits of the initiative, Minister Sillah pointed to improved accessibility and reduced roadside accidents.“The first thing is that at least the roads are clear for motorists to access the carriage way, secondly it has enhanced safety because until now we have seen what has been happening where people sell on the roads, leading to major accidents in this country that has been minimized thanks to the operation clear the road,” he explained.
Beyond safety, the minister underscored the long-term benefits of the initiative for infrastructure development. By preventing encroachment on roadways, he said, the government can now undertake construction projects without the added burden of demolishing structures and compensating displaced individuals.
However, the operation has not been without controversy. Nominee Member Kebba Lang Fofana acknowledged its good intentions but raised concerns over reported clashes between enforcement teams and affected communities. He questioned whether the ministry conducted periodic assessments to refine the operation’s execution.
In response, the minister stated that it is the government’s continuous desire to ensure that such operations are carried out smoothly, without the negative scenes sometimes seen on social media or mainstream media.
He added that after each operation, a review is conducted, and recommendations are made to address any mistakes that may have occurred.“Hopefully if we also get the usual cooperation from the public some of these things will be ameliorated, but I can assure you that with all good intent and purpose the operation is carried out for the best interest of the people of this country,” he said.
Central Badibou representative Sulayman Saho pressed the minister on the specific measurements used to determine demolition zones and whether affected individuals were notified in advance.
Minister Sillah explained that clearance distances vary depending on the type of roadway. “If it is a major highway, normally it is 20 meters on either side of the carriage way. If it is the normal roads within the suburban areas, it is 10 meters of the main highway and 3 meters on each side, so depending on where you are of course they are guided by those issues.”
He also highlighted that prior to the operation, radio messages are always disseminated to the relevant target areas, and in some cases, the councils are notified.
Hon. Lamin Ceesay, the Member for Kiang West, inquired about the additional engagements his ministry has had with the communities following the incidents and controversies between the clearing team and other localities. He emphasized the importance of clarifying to the public, especially those affected, the purpose and details of the operations.
The minister responded by stating that briefings are always crucial, and information is typically relayed back to the relevant stakeholders, particularly market committees.“What we have seen is the markets that are most affected, probably in Brikama and also Coastal Road. And those market’s committee are given the information that they should encourage people to sell within the boundaries of the market and then allow free access of vehicles and services and also for their own safety. Because in some cases ambulances or other emergency services would need to access even the inside of markets to ensure that they are properly accessed,” he said.
The Member for Lower Badibou, Kemo Gassama, inquired of the minister whether the road clearance operations are exclusively focused on the Greater Banjul Area, or if they will be extended to other parts of the country, particularly cosmopolitan centers.
In response, the minister clarified that the road clearance operation is not confined to the Greater Banjul Area. He confirmed that there are plans to expand the initiative to other regions, with particular attention to cosmopolitan centers.“The government recognizes the importance of road safety and the need to ensure free and accessible roads for all citizens, therefore in line with our commitment to enhancing public safety and urban development this operation will gradually be implemented nationwide,” he concluded.