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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
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toubab1020
12237 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Apr 2013 : 20:57:33
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Well,what a surprise the loss of revenue from a depleted and dilapidated ferry fleet has reached those who have the power to remedy the situation,what was their response,? put up fares............ took a long time for the decision to be reached and I expect that any improvement in the fleet will take a long time to be seen,you may see another ferry limping along at a snails pace soon so the new revenue stream can be doubled,extensive overhaul and repairs not yet. At least safety concerns have been recognised "our corporate social responsibility, and to provide safe, reliable and efficient ferry services throughout the country and at all times."
It would interest me and I am certain other Bantaba readers to know the names and make up of " The Gambia Ferry Services Management Company Limited " as no person is mentioned in the press release, quite surprising ?
"Ferry tariffs to go up by 25 percent in May "
Africa » Gambia
Monday, April 15, 2013
The tariff for ferry services across the country will be increased by 25 percent with effect from May 1st, 2013, a press release from The Gambia Ferry Services Management Company Limited has disclosed.
According to the GFSMC, this increment is necessitated by what it called the “high costs of inputs – fuel, spare parts and lubricants”. “This modest increase is in cognizance of our corporate social responsibility, and to provide safe, reliable and efficient ferry services throughout the country and at all times. Thus, the board and management of the authority profoundly appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we strive to facilitate and enhance the free movement of goods and services in the country and the sub-region,” the release added.
Author: Daily Observer |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 15 Apr 2013 21:10:06 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2013 : 04:53:45
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 02:01:03
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FERRY SERVICES’ TARIFF INCREASE WILL THERE BE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES
SOURCE: FOROYAA NEWS:EDITORIAL
"Suppose the 400 Million Invested in Ocean Bay Went to Ferry Services. The Management and Board of Gambia Ports and Ferry Services has issued a Press Release indicating that the high cost of inputs namely, fuel, spare parts and lubricants has compelled it to increase the tariff on ferry services across the country by 25 percent. With effect from 1st May. According to Management, the increase is modest and is in line with its determination to provide safe, reliable and efficient ferry services throughout the country.
Foroyaa will contact the consumers to get their real opinions on the reliability, efficiency and safety of the ferry services. Over the past weeks, Foroyaa had received many complaints touching on the unreliability, inefficiency and lack of safety of the ferry services between Barra and Banjul which is the most important link between North and South Banks of the Gambia. We hope Management will take the opinions of their clients in good faith and work hard to investigate and address any shortcomings they may identify.
Foroyaa, however, is of the view that Management should have focused on the improvement of services before any increase in tariff. The Board and Management should not depend on hearsay. They should make a tour of all the services, join the ferries, inspect the decks, the toilets and the engine room, assess the quality of services with journalists present and then hold a Press Conference at the end of the tour to tell their customers what they could or could not do. In our view,Ferry services and other public service sectors are the areas where Banks, with public sector share holders, could have invested to develop public services without any losses. For example, if Social Security had deposited the over Four Hundred Million it invested in Ocean Bay, such funds could have been utilised by the Bank to give loans to a public enterprise responsible for the improvement of ferry services which could have been easily and quickly recovered. Mariatou’s Beach Hotel should have attracted Foreign Direct Investment since the consumers are mainly tourists who bring foreign exchange.
Government needs to evolve a new strategy on how to improve public services without necessarily increasing the burden of the consumers or running down Public enterprises." Written by Ousman Njie |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2013 : 00:26:45
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BANJUL-BARRA FERRY PASSENGERS QUERY NEW TARIFF
SOURCE: FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS
"The authorities of the Banjul/Barra ferries services have announced an increment oftariff commencing on 1st May 2013. This reporter decided to have an interview with commuters from the Barra terminal to find out their views on the increase in fares.
According to one Mr. Abdoulie Janko a businessman, who travels from Barra to Banjul the problems affecting the ferries disturb them a lot. He cited the Kanilai ferry which he described as the slowest of all the ferries. He said they were on the ferry for about two hours before they could reach Banjul. He said they the businessmen suffer a lot from these delays. “You pay a huge amount for your baggage and at the end of the day you don’t get the satisfaction you deserve,” Explained Janko. This businessman said before they should increase the fares they should first think of refurbishing the ferries or even buy new ones. “How could they increase the fares of what you know is poor service ?” he asked He said increase in fares cannot be justified without first satisfying the clients. Truly speaking, he said, ‘’the government should help us and buy new ferries.” “Who would leave the ferries and go to the canoes if the ferries were rendering good services?” He said they always used to rely on the ferries because they have a lot of baggage. He said the reason why they stopped using the ferries is because they are very slow. “That’s why we take a risk and go to the canoes,” lamented Mr. Janko, businessman plying between Barra and Banjul.
Adama Bojang, a vegetable vendor, also expressed the difficulties they face in the ferries. She said they are always late in transporting their vegetables to their customers because of the slowness of the ferries. “The increase of fares will affect us a lot because the little we sell again is what we take and pay fares. They should first think of the dangers the poor ferry services pose before thinking of increasing the fares,” she opined. Adama Bojang said sometimes she uses canoe to reach her clients on time to sell their vegetables, otherwise they could perish. She calls on the government to stop thinking about increasing fares and focus on improving the safety standards and speed of the ferries. She said that they know that the ferries have problems and are not safe to transport the passengers. “Let them bring new ferries then if they want they could increase the fares, ’’she argued.
Amadou Kebba, a student from the Gambia senior secondary school who travels from Barra to Banjul for his schooling on a daily basis said they the students suffer a lot as they travel form Barra to Banjul five days in the week. He said sometimes they miss classes and their teachers do not want them to come late.. Amadou said he has been forced to leave his home to stay with one of his friends in Banjul because their grade twelve exam is near and the ferries are unreliable. He added that he only visits his family on weekends and returns on Sunday afternoons. He said they experience all these hardships because of the slowness of the ferries. He argued that the canoe is event faster than the ferries and requested that the government should really help them with newer ferries."
Written by Mustapha Jallow |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2013 : 20:17:24
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWSAND EDITORIAL;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2013 : 20:47:51
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2013 : 08:42:24
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2013 : 21:50:36
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THE POINT NEWS EDITORIAL;
Need to get our ferries safer
"We would once again like to express our utmost dissatisfaction regarding the condition of the ferries currently plying between Banjul and Barra.
While we welcome the work being done by the authorities to ensure safety, we insist that every measure be taken to ensure the safety of people using the ferries.
We have over the years stated on these pages that an efficient transportation network is indispensable to the realisation of the government’s Vision 2020 objectives, but only if urgent actions are taken to put right both major and minor loopholes in the operations of the ferry services in this country, within a reasonably short time.
Recent happenings in our ferries, especially while they are moving between Banjul and Barra, have pointed up again the need to make our ferry services much safer, in the interest of humanity.
Of recent, there have been a lot of complaints by people, most of whom use the ferries on a daily basis, about the condition and the time it takes the ferries plying the Banjul-Barra river crossing.
Crossing between these two destinations these days, one would realize the slow pace with which the ferries move; which in most cases take passengers crossing several hours to reach either Banjul or Barra.
Though the ferries bring in a lot of revenue, on a daily basis, the GPA should and must be seen to take immediate steps to put aside any ferry that is no longer safe for use by the travelling public......."
Read full report |
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toubab1020
12237 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2013 : 01:42:41
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What is most baffling to me is exactly the thinking currently in existence that poor ferry services can make money it is obvious that with a good fast safe ferry service a lot more government
revenue can be raised not only that but passengers will be happy that they can take pride in their Gambian ferries something that they have been unable to do for years.
quote:
Originally posted by kobo
THE POINT NEWS EDITORIAL;
Need to get our ferries safer
"We would once again like to express our utmost dissatisfaction regarding the condition of the ferries currently plying between Banjul and Barra.
While we welcome the work being done by the authorities to ensure safety, we insist that every measure be taken to ensure the safety of people using the ferries.
We have over the years stated on these pages that an efficient transportation network is indispensable to the realisation of the government’s Vision 2020 objectives, but only if urgent actions are taken to put right both major and minor loopholes in the operations of the ferry services in this country, within a reasonably short time.
Recent happenings in our ferries, especially while they are moving between Banjul and Barra, have pointed up again the need to make our ferry services much safer, in the interest of humanity.
Of recent, there have been a lot of complaints by people, most of whom use the ferries on a daily basis, about the condition and the time it takes the ferries plying the Banjul-Barra river crossing.
Crossing between these two destinations these days, one would realize the slow pace with which the ferries move; which in most cases take passengers crossing several hours to reach either Banjul or Barra.
Though the ferries bring in a lot of revenue, on a daily basis, the GPA should and must be seen to take immediate steps to put aside any ferry that is no longer safe for use by the travelling public......."
Read full report
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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 |
Posted - 08 Jun 2013 : 22:06:48
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUE NEWS;
DEVELOPING STORY NEW FERRIES NOT OPERATING: WHY? HOW MUCH DID THEY COST?
"... the Government of The Gambia signed a Joint Venture agreement with Gallia Holdings Ltd dated 5th March 2011 to establish, develop, manage and operate two (2) ferry boats to be deployed in two (2) major crossing points across The River Gambia, as well as manage the existing fleet of ferries deployed throughout the country.
The share holders are reported to have spent Millions of the dalasi on the new ferries which became the apple of the eye of the residents of the North Bank when they were put in the public view before the Presidential elections. The public wants to know how much was spent on the ferries, by whom and why they are still unable to render the services envisaged."
SOURCE: More Full Information here |
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toubab1020
12237 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2013 : 18:24:30
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Is Gallia Holdings Ltd Gambian company ?
Who are the Stakeholders?
Who are the Directors?
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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 |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 22:30:13
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Is Gallia Holdings Ltd Gambian company ?
Who are the Stakeholders?
Who are the Directors?
1 Gallia Holdings Ltd is an Irish company;
Gallia Holding Company Limited
Gallia Holding Company Limited was set up on Mon the 28th of Mar 2011 in Dublin 4. Their current status is Normal. The company's current directors Michael Gowen and Tomas O'Driscoll have been the director of 6 other Irish companies between them; 1 of which is now closed. According to our records, Gallia Holding Company Limited has not had judgments registered against it for Bad Debts in the past 6 years. Gallia Holding Company Limited has 2 shareholders....
SOURCE: For more full report
2. State House News Report 23rd July 2011 for 17th Anniversary July 22nd celebrations;
PRESIDENT JAMMEH COMMISSIONS NEW FLEET OF FERRIES
The President, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, as part of celebrations marking the 17th Anniversary of the July, 22nd Revolution, Saturday commissioned a fleet of new ferries that will take over service at the Banjul/Barra crossing. "Aljamdu" and "Kansala", were acquired by Government at the tune of €6, 345, 000 and their operations are entrusted to a new management headed by an official of the Greek firm, Gallia Holdings Ltd. The company accounts for 55% of the shares on both ferries...
SOURCE: Gambia State House online & more full report
NB: Gambia State House got it wrong to report that Gallia Holdings Ltd is a Greek firm above because company was set up and registered in Dublin (Ireland)  |
Edited by - kobo on 06 Nov 2013 22:46:02 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 22:33:01
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NO FERRY PLYING BETWEEN BANJUL AND BARRA
By Mustapha Jalllow
Foroyaa: Published: Tuesday, November 05, 2013
Information received by this reporter indicated that not a single ferry operated at the Banjul/Barra ferry terminal on Monday 4th November 2013. The report prompted this reporter to visit the said terminal to find out the situation.
However, it was discovered that no ferry operated at the said terminal on Monday October 4th. It is also observed that the Barra and Johe’ ferries were parked at the time of visit. The Banjul-Barra crossing point which used to be the busiest place in the country’s capital, serving as the only means of communication between the North Bank of the Gambia as well as the neighbouring state of Senegal was the quietest yesterday. However, this situation compelled the vast majority of the passengers who because of frustration were forced to cross by the boats which they said is risky.
According to information gathered at the Banjul terminal, Kanilai ferry was grounded on Monday evening while the Johe’ ferry was parked at the harbour to fix the engines on it that are donated by Taiwan; that because of the breakdown of Kanilai ferry, engineers began to work on it but they could not finish their work at the time of going to press.
This means that there is no ferry ready to operate at the Banjul/Barra terminal on Wednesday as well. It was too late in the day to access the authorities for their views.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
Edited by - kobo on 06 Nov 2013 22:46:29 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 22:35:30
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STILL NO FERRY PLYING BETWEEN BANJUL AND BARRA
By Mustapha Jalllow
Foroyaa: Published: Wednesday, November 06, 2013
No ferry has been plying the waters of the River Gambia between Banjul and Barra since Sunday evening. This follows the breakdown of the only ferry that is now operating between Barra and Banjul. The authorities had on 3 October announced that until new engines jointly funded by the Taiwanese have been acquired and installed within a period of 6 to 10 weeks, only the Kanilai ferry will be operational. When this reporter visited the terminal on Monday 4 November upon receipt of information that no ferry was operating, he found technicians repairing Kanilai. On Tuesday, 5 November 2013. The technicians were still at it and the ferry was still not ready for operation. Foroyaa has published earlier that information received by this reporter indicated that not a single ferry operated at the Banjul-Barra ferry Terminal on Monday 4th November, 2013.
It was also discovered that all the three ferries are still docked and not operating at the time of the second visit. This reporter visited the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) to shed light on the matter. The secretary of the Managing Director told this reporter that the Manager was at a meeting.
However up to press time, no information was forthcoming from the ports on the issue. Further efforts will be made today to get the authorities to shed light on the matter. Passengers have been compelled to risk their lives to cross with boats at the said crossing.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
Edited by - kobo on 06 Nov 2013 22:46:44 |
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