By: Modou Touray
Lawmakers have scolded the Managing Director of GPA over delays in the Sanyang Port Project.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Friday, Jorbateh stated that the pre-construction stage, initially set to be completed by February 13, 2026, is behind schedule due to issues with land leases and geotechnical investigations.
The project requires the government to finalize land leases and sub-leases, while the concessionaire needs to conduct further site investigations. Jorbateh expressed hope that these issues would be resolved before the pre-construction deadline
.
The Managing Director was asked about the age of dock workers, with 80% above 40 and nearing retirement age of 60. He also was asked about GPA’s plans to engage younger workers, given the high responsibilities at the port. This raises concerns about knowledge transfer and succession planning.
The Managing Director replied that there was a transformation that was implemented in March 2022 when the old scheme was discontinued and the members above 57 were all retired based on a negotiated Severance package.
He added that the strategy then was to maintain those below 57 years and below so that while transition is ongoing a new private company was set up called “The Dock Labour Company Limted” in which the members of thr Doc workers union hold 50% share and the Gambia Ports Authority holds 50% share.
The Managing Director further explained that they implemented a transformation back in March 2022. As part of this, workers above 57 were retired with a negotiated severance package.
“The plan was to keep those below 57 and transition them into a new company, Dock Labour Company Limited. This company is jointly owned, with 50% held by the Dock workers union and 50% by the Gambia Ports Authority.”.
According to MD Jorbateh, the expectation was after 3 years the company would have been on a sound footing both financially and operationally to be able to manage their affairs on their own then the GPA will pop out from it share holding and allow the company to be fully owned and managed by the Doc workers.
Asked about the status of the Dock workers, Mr. Jorbateh clarified that they’re a private company providing services to Alport.
“So, technically, they’re not under Alport, but rather, they just provide services to them.” he said.
Lawmakers raised concerns about Dock workers who were affected by the age bracket not being fully compensated and allegedly being asked to leave Alport.
However, Mr. Jorbateh clarified that the Dock workers are not under Alport and weren’t asked to leave. He emphasized that the severance packages were negotiated by the unions, and individual members signed disclaimers releasing GPA from further claims or entitlements.
Lawmakers questioned whether the severance package was approved by the Board, considering older workers might not be as energetic as younger ones. MD Jorbateh responded that the package was negotiated with unions, with the Board attending a session and giving subsequent approval.
