Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – The government has announced the deployment of all 20 buses operated by the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) to serve students at the University of The Gambia (UTG), following Monday’s demonstration over transport shortages and other campus service concerns.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology announced the intervention alongside measures to restore catering services and improve water supply and internet connectivity at the university’s Faraba campus.
Speaking in an interview with Peter Gomez, Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay said the government provides D33 million annually to support student transportation and funds 20 buses for the service.
He acknowledged complaints that fewer buses had sometimes been available than expected, attributing the shortfall to operational challenges.
“We understand that,” Dr Ceesay said, acknowledging students’ concerns about the reliability of the transport service.
He explained that although the government funds the buses, operational problems can affect deployment. He added that steps had been taken to address the situation.
The minister also acknowledged shortcomings in other campus services, particularly catering. He said a gap emerged after the previous vendor’s contract ended and before a new arrangement was put in place.
On internet connectivity, Dr Ceesay disputed claims that the university had experienced a complete internet blackout, saying access was available in some areas but had not yet been extended to all buildings. He nevertheless acknowledged the need to improve coverage.
Dr Ceesay said the government had engaged stakeholders over the weekend to address the concerns, with instructions subsequently issued to resolve the problems.
According to the minister, a meeting had been arranged for Saturday to discuss the students’ grievances, but student representatives did not attend. The demonstration nevertheless went ahead on Monday, prompting renewed government action.
He acknowledged that some of the problems could have been addressed earlier by university authorities, describing the catering and internet issues as operational matters requiring timely attention.
The minister defended the government’s response, saying the students’ concerns were being taken seriously and that measures were being implemented to ensure access to essential services.
Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez on Tuesday led a delegation to the Faraba campus to assess progress in addressing the students’ demands.
The visit is intended to evaluate the implementation of the announced measures and determine whether the concerns raised by students are being addressed.
While the deployment of all 20 buses represents an immediate response to complaints about transportation, questions remain about the consistency of the service and the operational challenges that previously limited the number of buses available.
The sustainability of the interventions will be crucial in determining whether the government’s response translates into lasting improvements in students’ daily campus experience.
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