Common commuters on the Banjul-Barra Ferry route have referred to as on the Gambia Ferry Companies (GFS) to implement its proposed 24-hour ferry service to make sure environment friendly crossing on the nation’s busiest terminals.
GFS Basic Supervisor Lamin Jawara disclosed a plan to function 24-hour ferry companies on the Banjul-Barra crossing level to make sure efficient and environment friendly transportation of products and companies inside the route.
Talking to The Level solely, Lamin B. Sonko, an everyday commuter on the Banjul-Barra ferry route described the proposed 24-hour companies as well timed and urgently wanted, saying it might probably have an excellent affect on residents of the North Financial institution and Central River Areas.
He justified that if the plan is applied, commuters would cross at any given time.
Sonko, additionally a famend signal language interpreter, mentioned he typically encounters challenges in reaching Niumi for interpretations as a result of crossing level. He mentioned typically if deaf folks have points at Niumi akin to police circumstances or household issues, they might invite him for interpretation however whether it is late within the hours, he wouldn’t cross because the ferries had closed.
“So, so far as I’m involved, if the ferries function for twenty-four hours, it will assist me and the folks of Niumi, Jokadu, Badibou districts, and folks of the Central River Area.”
“Having a District Well being Centre at Essau is a matter of concern as a result of typically medical personnel can not refer sufferers to Banjul on time, most particularly if the ferries shut. This will endanger lives. So, the 24-hour companies plan is required,” he mentioned.
Subsequently, he referred to as on the federal government to implement the proposed 24-hour companies with urgency, whereas saying the “thought is nice” when it comes to folks’s well being scenario and the economic system.
Amat Ceesay, a truck driver, mentioned there’s a want for ferries to implement the proposed 24-hour operational companies, including the plan would assist truck drivers to cross with out spending a lot time at terminals.
“It will be of profit to each truck drivers and the state,” he mentioned.
He justified that typically a truck driver who hundreds perishable merchandise akin to greens would lose their merchandise on account of spending a lot time on the ferry terminals.
“Someday drivers would load perishable merchandise and spend a lot time right here (terminal). That usually spoil their merchandise,” he mentioned.
“Subsequently, if that plan (24-hour companies) occurs, it will assist promote our merchandise earlier than they get spoiled and the merchandise would profit us and the customers as effectively,” he mentioned.
Mr. Ceesay mentioned typically he would spend nights on the ferry terminals in order that he might cross very early the next morning. Nonetheless, he’s optimistic that if the plan is applied, commuters particularly drivers will cease spending nights on the terminals.
“Subsequently, we would like authorities to assist and implement the plan,” he urged.
Matarr Saho, one other truck driver mentioned: “If the plan is applied, it will assist us as a result of typically if I come right here (Banjul Terminal) and discover the place congested with autos, I’ve to return and use the Senegambia Bridge.
He famous that passing by means of the Banjul-Barra crossing level is less complicated and nearer for him, however typically he has to journey by means of the south financial institution to keep away from losing time at Banjul-Barra.
“If authorities implement the plan and all of the three ferries proceed plying, it will assist us (commuters),” he mentioned, whereas urging the federal government to implement the plan.
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