By Kemo Kanyi
Opposition leader Halifa Sallah has criticised the Gambian government’s port expansion agreement with Turkish firm Albayrak, questioning its long-term benefits to the country and the welfare of Gambians.
Speaking at the congress of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) held at Paradise Suites Hotel, Sallah said the 30-year concession should have been tested under the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) before being awarded to a foreign company.
He expressed concern that the current administration has not assessed the company’s performance, arguing that committing to such a lengthy concession without evaluation undermines national interest.
According to Sallah, Albayrak plans to invest about US$1.5 billion in port infrastructure, but he questioned why similar funds could not be mobilised locally, noting that proceeds from the Senegambia Bridge project are expected to reach US$3.5 billion by 2025.
He said PDOIS would continue to educate Gambians on the implications of major government projects and whether they truly advance national development.
Sallah also criticised government claims about improvements in the education sector, arguing that the construction of schools alone does not address challenges such as teacher quality and high student-teacher ratios.
He noted that many trained teachers finance their own education but remain unemployed, stressing that investment in qualified educators is essential for sustainable national development.