Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has announced the commencement of work on the Half-Die port expansion in Banjul. In a recent public warning, the GPA urged residents of the affected areas to vacate by Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

The GPA is undertaking a $114.6 million project to extend the jetty by 345 meters. This expansion will result in the relocation of many homes in Half-Die, including the Gambia Muslim High School. According to the GPA, this project is essential for enhancing the port’s capacity and efficiency in handling cargo. It is also expected to create job opportunities for the local community and boost the economy.

However, the port expansion has faced opposition. Ebou Faye, a defeated candidate for the office of Mayor of Banjul from the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP), criticized the GPA for reducing the size of the capital. “The GPA cannot take any more land in Banjul. We cannot allow them to kill Half-Die. They can go into the sea and expand whatever they want to expand there because that is easier than taking people’s properties, compensating them, and reducing the capital. So, our policy is that we don’t want Banjul to be small; otherwise, the city will have a problem,” Faye told Star FM radio.

In March 2022, the GPA announced successful negotiations with Bakau and the Village Development Community to cede part of the Katchikally Layout for the relocation of Half-Die residents. Additionally, agreements were reached with the Banjul Muslim Association and the Board of Governors to acquire the premises of Muslim Senior Secondary School for the port expansion.

The GPA explained that these acquisitions and their conversion into container terminals would help alleviate space constraints, improve port performance, and reduce congestion.

Consequently, the GPA has made it clear that the grace period ending Tuesday will not be extended for those refusing to vacate their premises in Half-Die. Residents and business owners in the affected areas are encouraged to relocate as soon as possible.