Matarr Ceesay, the president of the Gambia transport union on Friday disclosed to our  reporter that the government of the Gambia has not respected the needs of the commercial transport drivers since 1965  as none of the governments ever provide standard car parks for the commercial transport drivers in the country.

He added that they, as the transport union engaged the government  on several occasions with regards to provision of car parks but still no response emerged from them. He highlighted the significance of  having garages in the country, which he stated that its ensure security as lost properties can easily be traced, minimise traffic accidents  as drivers are always in a rush to pick passengers due to lack of garage.  It helps in controlling transport fares as all the commercial drivers will be registered under a particular garage which expects to work  and receives directives from the union. 

He further mentioned that commercial drivers are paying their dues regularly to the central government which should qualify that to benefit  from social services such as the provision of  garages as most of these projects are expected to be funded from tax payers fund. He blasted the ministry of lands and local government for their inaction to address the request of drivers as they are the ministry responsible for the allocation of land for such projects . He stated that the transport union has embarked on a nationwide tour  from the 8th of February to 5th of March, what was raised as general concern by the commercial drivers is the issue of lack of garage.

According to him this remains a major concern by his executives and he promised never to drop the matter. He vowed to hold onto this until they succeed in their search for a garage. He disclosed that The Gambian government loses millions of dalasi daily as its employees arrived to work late as a result of lack of garages which created transport scarcity particularly in the morning. He said this is one of the reasons people arrive at their workplace late and compel them to close before time due to struggles that await them. 

He added that this could be addressed with garages constructed at strategic locations in the country.

 

By Alkali Cham