By: Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), in collaboration with the National Roads Authority (NRA), has launched an exercise aimed at addressing illegal developments and encroachments on road reserves within the Tourism Development Area (TDA).
Officials from the two institutions on Wednesday conducted a mapping and inventory exercise covering identified encroachments in key tourism zones, including Senegambia, Palma Rima and the BB area in Kololi.
The exercise followed discussions between the GTBoard and the NRA on the implementation of an enforcement programme to reclaim road corridors and public spaces occupied by unauthorised structures.
Speaking after the assessment, Alagie Laye, Senior Investment Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Product Development and Investment at the GTBoard, said the initiative seeks to address illegal developments that have affected road reserves within the tourism zone.
He said some businesses had extended structures into designated road corridors, resulting in reduced road widths, traffic congestion and increased safety risks for motorists and pedestrians.
According to Laye, the encroachments have also affected the installation and maintenance of public utilities, including water and electricity infrastructure.
He added that the authorities intend to use reclaimed spaces for landscaping and urban improvement projects aimed at enhancing the appearance of the Tourism Development Area.
Laye said the GTBoard and the NRA have maintained close cooperation due to their respective responsibilities within the tourism zone, with the GTBoard overseeing development activities and the NRA managing road infrastructure and reserves.
Bakary K. Manneh, Head of the Road Safety and Corridor Department at the NRA, described the findings of the assessment as concerning and stressed the need to restore road reserves to their intended use.
“We have seen people settling within road corridors in ways that endanger lives and property. The objective of this exercise is to save lives and ensure that road reserves are used for their intended purposes,” Manneh said.
He explained that road reserves include pedestrian walkways, drainage systems, utility infrastructure and road shoulders in addition to the paved roadway.
Manneh noted that encroachments in some areas along the Senegambia tourism strip have significantly reduced road widths, affecting traffic flow and safety.
He reaffirmed the NRA’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore order within the Tourism Development Area and disclosed plans to redesign some reclaimed spaces to accommodate landscaping, recreational facilities and designated parking areas.
Officials said affected property owners would be issued notices and given time to remove illegal structures before further action is taken.
The initiative forms part of government efforts to preserve the safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal of the Tourism Development Area while strengthening investor confidence and enhancing The Gambia’s tourism competitiveness.
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