Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has initiated a consultancy to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of its 4th Port Expansion Project, a move seen as a response to growing concerns from the residents of Sanyang over the potential displacement and environmental risks posed by the project.

The consultancy, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment to determine how the expansion will affect local communities, trade, and the environment. According to a public call for Expressions of Interest, the consultant will engage stakeholders, including affected residents, to collect data and propose mitigation strategies.

The move follows an outcry from Sanyang residents, who, through their lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, formally demanded that the GPA preserve the community’s cultural and environmental landmarks. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, addressed to GPA Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh, the Sanyang Village Development Committee (SVDC), the Alkalo and Council of Elders, and other community groups raised concerns over the project’s transparency.

The residents’ concerns heightened after Jobarteh stated on a local radio show that the land acquisition for the deep-sea port project would extend from the Sanyang river lines to the heart of the village, potentially displacing thousands. Community leaders have accused the authorities of failing to consult affected families and withholding key project documents, including the deep-seaport master plan.

According to the GPA’s latest consultancy announcement, the impact assessment will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will involve reviewing existing data and conducting surveys to understand the effects on local employment, trade, and the environment. The second phase will analyze economic benefits and environmental risks while monitoring compliance with national and international standards. Stakeholder workshops will be held to validate the findings.

Despite the consultancy’s launch, some Sanyang residents remain skeptical. Saikou Camara, secretary-general of the Sanyang UK Association, stated that without full disclosure of the master plan, the process lacks credibility. “We need to see the actual project details and assurances that Sanyang’s properties and cultural sites will not be sacrificed for this expansion,” he said.

The GPA has called on qualified consulting firms to submit their applications by February 4, 2025. The results of the impact assessment will be crucial in addressing the community’s fears and ensuring the project aligns with sustainable development goals.