As part of the country’s preparation in hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2022, the project work has begun at the Banjul International Airport for the construction of a 9million dollar new presidential lounge and the contract is awarded to AREZKI.  According to officials, the construction of the new presidential lounge will see a new dimension with modern technology. The demolition process of the old building began last Friday.


Aymen Marsaoui, the contractor of the Presidential Lounge project , gave a solemn promise to the government that the construction can be done on time.  He also explained the differences contained in the new building which is under construction.

“I will make sure that the contract is done on time,” Aymen Marsaoui said. “the new building will be different from the old presidential lounge. It will be in accordance with modern technology. The quality and convenience is up to standard. If you are inside, you will not hear the noise that is coming from outside.”

Aymen Marsaoui assured their commitment to the government for meeting the required time for the completion of the contract. 

Among the challenges he highlighted was the importation of the building materials from other countries. He said the duration is 12 months but it can be completed within a short time.

Kabirou Jammeh, Project Manager for the construction of the New Presidential Lounge at the Banjul International Airport said the presidential lounge will be built in accordance with modern technology. He said the project cost 9 million dollars for the building and it is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 months.

“This new presidential lounge will be in accordance with modern technology,” Kabirou Jammeh said. The project manager at the airport said he is optimistic that the contractor can meet the stipulated time.

Nfally Fadera Head of Brand and Communication OIC Gambia Secretariat, expresses government commitment towards the OIC project. He adds that the construction of the new presidential lounge is very significant for the country.

“The presidential lounge will be the first welcoming place where the guests come to attend the summit,” Fadera said. “We want to make sure that Gambia is ranked as the best country for hosting international summits.” Fadera also stated that the benefits of the summit are huge.

However, the duration for the entire project for the presidential lounge at the Airport is 24 months which starts from designing to finishing. According to officials, the building expenses is about 9 million dollars and the total funding from Saudi is 10.5 million dollars.

 

By Dawda Baldeh