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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2011 : 12:34:09
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http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/2-new-ferries-commissioned
This should make a difference to the service,the old ferries that were in use has been abused and NOT MAINTAINED properly,the arrival of the new ones are going to be a benefit in the SHORT TERM but unless GOOD maintainance is carried out by technicians who know WHAT THEY ARE DOING then the usual Gambian problem of jelousy and fiddling is going to persist and a few months down the line "problems" will occour. Another thing that concerns me is :
"Bought at the tune of € 6,345,000 (Six million, three hundred and forty-five thousand Euro), the ferries named ‘Aljamdu’ and ‘Kansala’ can carry 78 vehicles and 1500 passengers; and 90 vehicles and 1,080 passengers respectively. The acquisition of both ferries came through a joint venture between the government of The Gambia and Gallia Holding in Greece."
Bearing in mind the current Greek situation:
http://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?p=greek+debt&ei=UTF-8&fr=yff40awe&fr2=newsdd
Just a few thoughts.
Another newspapers take on the subject; http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7474
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 25 Jul 2011 22:04:34 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2011 : 23:24:32
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FOROYAA ON-LINE NEWS;
1. National News : WHY THE NEW FERRIES ARE NOT OPERATIONAL
2. Editorial : CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, GPA, SOCIAL SECURITY, GALLA COMPANY AND THE TWO NEW FERRIES
"Foroyaa has been trying to find out who owns the two new ferries because of the various comments our reporter has written for publication during their commissioning.
First and foremost, it became clear to us that the ferries could not be put into operation to serve the Banjul–Barra stretch until a ramp is constructed to enable it to dock. This ramp is yet to be constructed.
Secondly, it was observed that the ferries have only one point of entry for vehicles. How the vehicles are to go in and out of the ferry is something that was worth considering before purchasing such a ferry. May be there are operational designs that would address people’s fears of how over a hundred vehicles could be off-loaded by driving backwards. What is of keen interest to Foroyaa is the comment that the two ferries are a project of the Gambia government and Galla Holding.
In fact, a representative from Galla Holding, Mr. Pre Acos, expressed his happiness to be associated with the commissioning of the two ferries. He said problems that are being experienced with the ferries in Gambia were what had prompted his company to work with the Gambia Government to provide the ferries. He expressed gratitude to the president, the Social Security and GPA for making this possible. He said the ferries will make crossing easier now, adding that the ferry management is concerned with safety, customer care and reliance.
On the part of the Government, it costs it six million three hundred and forty five thousand Euros (6,345,000 eu) to purchase the two new ferries.
Ports Authority is a public enterprise and it should have the capacity to purchase a ferry.
However during the commissioning it was not made evident that the ferries were purchased by Ports Authority. The impression is given that it was purchased by the Central Government and that the purchase of the two ferries is a component of a project between Galla Holdings and the Government. What is the role of the central government? What is the role of the GPA? What is the role of Galla holdings? What is the role of Social Security?
We hope the authorities would issue a statement or call a Press conference to address all concerns of the public." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 01:36:14
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RELATED FOROYAA National News : GPA GETS TWO NEW FERRIES PRESIDENT JAMMEH SAID HE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE OTHER FERRIES
QUESTIONS AND ISSUES RAISED BY FOROYAA ABOVE RELATE TO THE POINT NEWS New Ferry makes maiden trip to Bambatenda
"Ports Authority is a public enterprise and it should have the capacity to purchase a ferry.
However during the commissioning it was not made evident that the ferries were purchased by Ports Authority. The impression is given that it was purchased by the Central Government and that the purchase of the two ferries is a component of a project between Galla Holdings and the Government. What is the role of the central government? What is the role of the GPA? What is the role of Galla holdings? What is the role of Social Security?
We hope the authorities would issue a statement or call a Press conference to address all concerns of the public."FOROYAA
THE POINT NEWS"Noting that each of the two ferries is a company on its own, Mr Gai revealed that the shareholders for Aljamdu are Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and GALLIA Holding, a Greek company, while the shareholders for Kansala are the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and GALLIA Holding.
He however said the existing ferry service is 100 percent owned by The Gambia government and there are managements charged with the responsibility of managing all the three companies operating in the national ferry service system." |
Edited by - kobo on 05 Aug 2011 02:14:29 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 03:28:22
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I wonder if the government can look into the possibility and feasibility of creating an industry with the "Gali Serer", to compliment and add to the services of the ferry across the river between Banjul and Barra.
I noticed that there were a few of these boats, as we awaited the arrival of the only ferry service for that day, plying across the river carrying goods and passengers to and from Banjul/Barra.
These boats were in existence for a long time, and had periodically been carrying goods and passengers across the river, especially when there weren't enough ferries, ferries out of commission, or undue delays because of engine failures.
I remember passengers used to embark and disembark from these boats behind the Albert market. There was a striving stevedore business of loading and unloading goods and passengers from these boats berthed waist deep from the shore. The "stevedores" would carry the passengers/goods on their backs or sitting on their shoulders as they waded through the water to load or unload their cargo from the shore or to the shore.
I noticed the same thing happening in Barra, as we awaited the arrival of the only ferry service for that day.
I think the government should look into these boats services and turn them into a regulated industry.
First, the government should create or facilitate the creation of an industry, that would register and guide the safety operations of these boats to and from across the river.
Second, the government can determine what type of industry it should be. Should it be a private industry, where a company can emerged that would have the sole authority to register and guide the operations of these boats, and ensure that they follow all government regulations as well as comply with all government specifications as to design, build, width, height, depth etc
Or, should it be a cooperative venture where all boat owners would be shareholders in the emerging company, that would undertake the same responsibilities I have outlined above.
The benefits of having these boats services regulated and structured, apart from complimenting and adding to the services of the ferry, would be to create an industry that can put many people to work.
There should be a centralized location on both banks of the river, where these boats can be designed and built. This can emerged as a purely Gambian manufacturing feat, employing our engineers to design and build these boats to certain specifications.
There should be a berthing platform on both banks of the river, that would allow ease of passengers to embark and disembark from these boats; as well as allow ease of loading and unloading goods.
Since there is no possibility yet of linking Banjul and Barra, other than the ferry services that transport thousands across the river daily, the idea of expanding the services of the "Gali Serer" into a more structured and regulated industry should be looked into.
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 04:37:14
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Good one sankalanka. Keep ideas alive. You won't believe me but you stole my idea. :) |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Aug 2011 04:42:11 |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 04:50:26
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There can be services between
Mandinari to North Bank, Tunjina to North Bank which are basically short cuts from Brikama/Yundum without going to Banjul to travel north if there is roads/piers provided.
Other thing I have to add is rescue/evacuation boats. In case of emergency, the ferry stop in the middle. Is there any way to evacuate the people? |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Aug 2011 05:39:16 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 07:15:08
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Turk, once these ideas become fruitful and operational, all the other attendant services that you mentioned would also become necessary.
I once read you take about economic and development models, particularly those that pertains to third world and developing economies.
However, since "development" may not mean the same thing to different people, our perspective of development should always be understood so as to determine if a country is actually developing or not.
Development always was viewed from the capacity of an economy to grow its GDP, which trickles down to the less fortunate in the forms of jobs and other economic opportunities, or create the necessary conditions for the wider distribution of the economic and social benefits of growth. This was the assumption.
Problems relating to poverty, unemployment and income distribution were of less importance, until during the 1970's when economic development was redefined in terms of eliminating poverty, inequality and unemployment within the context of a growing economy.
Therefore, when we look at development, we should look at it within the context of these two paradigms.
In short, development economists were wary of an economy that registered high rates of growth, but showed little or no improvement in increasing employmemt and the real incomes of those at the bottom of the population.
Our countries should look beyond the traditional definitions of growth and development, and explore ways and means of tackling the endemic unemployment problems, poverty and food insecurity.
We should begin to look inward, and link our local produces and resource availability to light scale industries. |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 07:44:55
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I am aware of your points. And I agree. Look, while I have my personal preferences for political, economic and social development, I also appreciate the different realities requires different solutions. I mean I am not ideological. My thinking process for the country I am living in is very different from Gambia. However, I am adaptable.
GDP is only indicator. GDP growth is not my ultimate objective. But it is a valid measure. Obviously there are other measures to really understand the progress i.e. income redistribution, social investment, human development index that combines political participation, women status, child mortality, classroom size...
Your points are all valid and debatable. I welcome. Unfortunately, in bantaba and Gambia's political platform, number one agenda is either Jammeh bashing or supporting Jammeh. Those who are interested in politics acting more like football fans. What people understand from politics, mostly power sharing. Yes, this is one of the objective of politics, but more important objective is to produce solutions. We need more focus on details of political, social, cultural and economic development like you initiated under this topic. I strongly believe that 'people must know and learn these concepts, because they are the one who are going to demand politicians'. Politicians will not give if people do not demand. That is why I like to have more focus on people rather than politicians. I do not believe if today Sallah (while I like him) or Darboe will change things significantly. The real progress would come when people are aware what they need and demand the best solution. It is a long process, but it is achievable.
I welcome your contribution and comments. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Aug 2011 07:46:47 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 16:07:22
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A worthwhile idea BUT as the ferry service is government owned,I feel that the likelyhood of allowing investment in an alternative service will probably be frowned upon as opposed to being encouraged.
quote: Originally posted by sankalanka
I wonder if the government can look into the possibility and feasibility of creating an industry with the "Gali Serer", to compliment and add to the services of the ferry across the river between Banjul and Barra.....
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 17:51:44
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"A worthwhile idea BUT as the ferry service is government owned,I feel that the likelyhood of allowing investment in an alternative service will probably be frowned upon as opposed to being encouraged."
Toubab, that is possible and is very likely given the type of governments that we have, that are not people centered and development oriented.
Since politics cannot be divorced from economics, and politics and economics are the institutional mechanisms through which the power elites influence the allocation of scare resources exclusively for their own benefits or for the benefits of the larger population, it stands to reason that the role of power is a determining factor in the relationship between politics and economics, especially when it comes to decisions about economic development.
For how else would it not make sense, for a government that spends millions of dalasis in procuring one of two ferries a year; which in most cases would not complete their life spans, than to compliment such a service with the creation of an indigenous "Gali Serer" industry, that would build, register and safely operate these boats across the river. Engineers could come up with designs that are completely different from the "Gali Serer'" we have toady.
Can you imagine the economic benefits that can accrue from such an industry? Can you imagine the many business opportunities that can arise from this industry? It only takes imagination and innovation.
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 18:42:41
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Sankalanka
Don't be encouraged by toubab. Public Management is part of the politics that provides solutions for people. Innovative ideas like you, the way your think is what Gambia needs. Keep pushing. Keep demanding. Without people demand for better services/policies, politicians will not get better. Public demands, government provides. Democracy is not about voting only. Public needs to be participants in decision making process. It is all about people. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Aug 2011 18:44:12 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 20:19:11
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"Can you imagine the economic benefits that can accrue from such an industry? Can you imagine the many business opportunities that can arise from this industry? It only takes imagination and innovation. "
Yes I can,but those involved must be PROPERLY supervised and REGULATED the shipyard near Mile 2 could make the boats and the big lorries that give the greatest revenue would remain with the Government as would travellers who cross with vehicles,it could be a win win situation,worth considering.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 11:05:24
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A good bit of progress and also good interaction with Gambia's neighbour Senegal,I only hope that the views expressed at the end of the piece are heeded " He called on the general public, especially passengers and drivers to exercise discipline, maintain the ferry’s cleanliness and take ownership of it. Sheikh Tajan Gaye, a member of the Senegalese transport union expressed similar sentiments."
quote: Originally posted by kobo
DAILY OBSERVER Senegalese authorities impressed with new ferry
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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ylowe
USA
217 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 21:30:06
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What a great idea and with government regulations the crossing problem could be solved.I took one of those boats couple years ago and everyone was required to wear a life jacket.This is another way of formalizing one informal sector and thereby creating income to government in the form of taxes.Big is not always good bro.
quote: Originally posted by sankalanka
I wonder if the government can look into the possibility and feasibility of creating an industry with the "Gali Serer", to compliment and add to the services of the ferry across the river between Banjul and Barra.
I noticed that there were a few of these boats, as we awaited the arrival of the only ferry service for that day, plying across the river carrying goods and passengers to and from Banjul/Barra.
These boats were in existence for a long time, and had periodically been carrying goods and passengers across the river, especially when there weren't enough ferries, ferries out of commission, or undue delays because of engine failures.
I remember passengers used to embark and disembark from these boats behind the Albert market. There was a striving stevedore business of loading and unloading goods and passengers from these boats berthed waist deep from the shore. The "stevedores" would carry the passengers/goods on their backs or sitting on their shoulders as they waded through the water to load or unload their cargo from the shore or to the shore.
I noticed the same thing happening in Barra, as we awaited the arrival of the only ferry service for that day.
I think the government should look into these boats services and turn them into a regulated industry.
First, the government should create or facilitate the creation of an industry, that would register and guide the safety operations of these boats to and from across the river.
Second, the government can determine what type of industry it should be. Should it be a private industry, where a company can emerged that would have the sole authority to register and guide the operations of these boats, and ensure that they follow all government regulations as well as comply with all government specifications as to design, build, width, height, depth etc
Or, should it be a cooperative venture where all boat owners would be shareholders in the emerging company, that would undertake the same responsibilities I have outlined above.
The benefits of having these boats services regulated and structured, apart from complimenting and adding to the services of the ferry, would be to create an industry that can put many people to work.
There should be a centralized location on both banks of the river, where these boats can be designed and built. This can emerged as a purely Gambian manufacturing feat, employing our engineers to design and build these boats to certain specifications.
There should be a berthing platform on both banks of the river, that would allow ease of passengers to embark and disembark from these boats; as well as allow ease of loading and unloading goods.
Since there is no possibility yet of linking Banjul and Barra, other than the ferry services that transport thousands across the river daily, the idea of expanding the services of the "Gali Serer" into a more structured and regulated industry should be looked into.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 23:24:33
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http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/senegalese-authorities-impressed-with-new-ferry
The ferry crossing being written about by Kobo in his last post is not Banjul to Barra, it is Yellitenda-Bambatenda route in the North Bank Region (NBR). there is no further news that I know of concerning the "new" ferries that will ply the Banjul Barra route as the loading/unloading facilities at Banjul and Barra are too small,for the newly acquired bigger ferries.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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