Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA). The government has begun implementing a series of immediate measures at the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Banta Campus following student complaints over transport, water, catering and internet services, with further improvements expected over the coming days.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology said 20 buses operated by the Gambia Transport Service Company have now been deployed to serve students traveling to the campus, addressing one of the most immediate concerns raised during the students’ protest.
The intervention follows a visit to the campus by Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez, accompanied by senior ministry and university officials as well as representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Buses And Food Services Already In Place
The transport intervention is one of the most visible changes students should experience immediately, with all 20 GTSC buses now assigned to support access to the Faraba campus.
Catering services have also been restored across the university’s schools and faculties. The ministry said the cafeterias are now ready to serve students and staff, potentially easing another major source of dissatisfaction.
Water, however, remains a work in progress.
The ministry said its assessment found that water is available on campus in larger quantities than initially expected, but that additional filtration is needed before it can be considered suitable for drinking.
As a short-term response, water jars and dispensers have been installed at designated locations around the campus. NAWEC has also been engaged to address the wider water supply concerns, while a company has been contacted to install a filtration system.
Internet Upgrade Expected Within A Week
The biggest change still to come is expected in internet connectivity.
Officials from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy have assessed the existing infrastructure and identified a way to use a 12 GB fibre-optic connection provided through the Gambia Research and Education Network.
The proposed upgrade is expected to increase bandwidth and provide faster and more reliable connectivity for students and staff, particularly those relying on online research and educational resources.
Internet access is already available in Lots 1 and 2. The newly constructed Schools of Agriculture and Law are now also being connected, with Gamtel technicians already on the ground.
The technical team expects the work to be completed within one week.
That means the coming days will be critical in determining whether the government’s response translates into sustained improvements rather than temporary relief.
From Protest Demands To Implementation
The ministry’s latest update marks a shift from responding to student demands to monitoring whether the promised interventions actually work on the ground.
Transportation and catering have moved into the implementation stage, while drinking water and internet connectivity still require further technical work.
The ministry said it will continue working with UTG management, the Students’ Union, NAWEC, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and other stakeholders to follow up on outstanding concerns.
For students, the immediate test will therefore be practical: whether buses remain available, cafeterias consistently provide meals, drinking water becomes safe and accessible, and the promised internet upgrade is completed within the stated timeframe.
The government says it remains committed to resolving the concerns through what it described as “constructive engagement, institutional coordination and practical solutions” aimed at improving student welfare and the quality of higher education.
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