The Gambia National Trade Union Congress has raised issues of concern affecting the organization. The Secretary General of the GNTUC, Ebrima Garba Cham stated that for any transport enterprise in a country to move forward, peace and development must be maintained at all level to ensure a better transportation sector.

Cham further called for an arrest on the issues confronting the transport union as well finding solutions to confront challenges faced by drivers on a daily basis.

“The transport union contributes millions of dalasi to the economy of the country in the form of tax and yet there are no proper roads to transport people and goods” Cham noted.

He further called on the Gambia Revenue Authority to think of ways to build proper roads and a central car park for the transport industry since the GRA is the government’s arm that collects revenue. He called on Taxi owners to provide employment contracts for the drivers they employ so as to give them a sense of belonging and add value to the daily work they are doing.

“Public holidays should be observed by drivers and should be paid double time if they work on such days. Families of drivers need to receive compensation should they lose their lives in service.

The President of the Drivers Transport Association Abdoulie Touray also outlined problems encountered by the drivers and called for due respect to be accorded them and their rights be respected.

He also called for a central car park which will mitigate the problems of parking and less confrontation with the Traffic police. Touray appealed to the Barrow Government to help them tackle their challenges.

By: Awa Gassama