The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, in partnership with the World Bank, on Tuesday convened a stakeholder consultation workshop on the proposed Gambia Road Transport Bill 2026 and the Commercial Vehicle Fleet Renewal Scheme aimed at reforming and modernising the country’s transport sector.
The forum, held at Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, brought together government officials, transport stakeholders and development partners to discuss key reforms targeting road safety, regulation and commercial transport operations.
Speaking at the event, Momodou Senghore, Operations Manager of the World Bank-funded Gambia Infrastructure Project under the Central Projects Coordination Unit (CPCU), said the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen resilient and sustainable infrastructure in The Gambia.
He said the transport component of the project goes beyond road construction and focuses on institutional and regulatory reforms within the road transport sector.
Senghore explained that the proposed Road Transport Bill seeks to establish a modern legal framework to improve road safety, service delivery, compliance systems and transport regulation.
“The bill provides the basis for modern regulations governing vehicle standards, commercial transport operations, inspections and safety enforcement,” he said.
He added that the proposed Commercial Vehicle Fleet Renewal Scheme is expected to gradually phase out ageing vehicles and improve passenger safety, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the project also includes reforms to vehicle registration and title management systems aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Abraham K. Mendy, acknowledged challenges facing the transport sector, including weak regulation, ageing vehicles, road safety concerns and urban congestion.
“Our road transport sector is a vital engine for economic growth and national development, but we must also confront the realities affecting its efficiency and safety,” he said.
Mendy said the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen governance, improve enforcement and align the country’s transport system with international standards.
Meanwhile, Saikou Kujabi of the Ministry of Transport presented an overview of the bill’s financial and administrative provisions, including auditing procedures, budgeting systems and funding arrangements for the proposed transport authority.
Participants were urged to review the bill and provide recommendations aimed at building a safer and more efficient road transport system