Transport Minister Reveals Monthly Maintenance Cost for Kunta Kinteh, Kanilai Ferries at D10.5 Million
Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Works
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, has disclosed to the National Assembly that maintaining the Kunta Kinteh and Kanilai ferries costs D10.5 million per month when both are in operation.
Minister Sillah made this revelation while responding to a question from Hon. Fatou Cham, National Assembly Member for Sannehmentary, who sought clarification on the monthly maintenance expenses for the Banjul-Barra ferry services.
“Hon. Speaker please be informed that the monthly maintenance cost for the Kunta Kinteh and Kanilai ferries plying the Banjul, Barra crossing points is currently D10.5 million but note, this is when both ferries operate.” Minister Sillah stated.
He further detailed that the largest portion of these expenses goes to fueling, which amounts to D7.4 million per month. Procurement of spare parts follows at D2.7 million, while the remaining D0.4 million covers lubricants, dredging, and other miscellaneous costs.
In addition to maintenance, the minister noted that the direct monthly salary expenses for operational staff, including engineers, quartermasters, security personnel, collectors, and controllers, stand at D12.08 million.“The total monthly cost for the Banjul and Barra crossing points is therefore D30.4 million, which when compared to the average current monthly earnings for the same crossing point in the sum of D24 Million, means that the station is operating at a loss of D6.4 million monthly,” he informed lawmakers.
Hon. Fatou Cham also requested an update on the status of the rehabilitated Kanilai ferry and when it would resume operations.
Minister Sillah responded that the rehabilitation of the Kanilai ferry is in its final stages, with all replating and repainting completed. He further explained that the installation of four new marine diesel heavy-duty engines has been finalized, while work on four Schottel propulsion systems, chest cooling, and hydraulic systems is nearing completion.“The ferry was launched from the Shipyard on Wednesday 5th March 2025 and is now alongside the Port of Banjul New jetty for alignments and completion of installation to be completed hopefully in early April,” he assured lawmakers.