The Gambia Transport Sector Diagnostic Study Transport, Urban Development and ICT Department The Gambia Transport Sector Diagnostic Study Transport, Urban Development and ICT Department FOREWORD This report was prepared by the Transport, Urban Development and ICT Department (OITC), under the supervision and gui- dance of Mr. Jean Kizito Kabanguka, Manager, Transport Division 1. The assignment was managed by Mr. Aaron Mwila, Senior Transport Engineer (OITC). The report was drafted by Mr. Micah Olaseni Ajijo (Consultant Transport Economist) with contributions of several experts in the Transport and ICT Department who reviewed the draft and provided valuable comments, data and information. Special thanks also go to Government of the Republic of The Gambia for providing the Bank Team maximum support in finalizing this report. THE GAMBIA : Transport Sector Diagnostic Study Abbreviations and Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................................................................................V Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... VI I - The sector development context.....................................................................................................................1 1.1. The Geographic and Demographic Factors .............................................................................................................................................1 1.2. The Gambia Development Strategy and Priorities ................................................................................................................................2 1.3. The Regional Economic Factor ........................................................................................................................................................................4 II - Sector policy, institutions and regulatory framework .........................................6 2.1. National Transport Policy .....................................................................................................................................................................................7 2.2. Institutional and Regulatory Framework ......................................................................................................................................................8 2.3. Transport System Planning..............................................................................................................................................................................10 III - The road sub-sector ..............................................................................................................................................................12 3.1. The Road Network Profile and Condition ................................................................................................................................................13 3.2. Vehicle Fleet/ Network Traffic Levels and Vehicle Operating Costs ..........................................................................................15 3.3. Road Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................................................17 3.4. Road Engineering and Construction ..........................................................................................................................................................19 3.5. Road Transport Industry....................................................................................................................................................................................20 3.6. Road Safety ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................22 3.7. Institutional Support and Capacity Building ...........................................................................................................................................24 3.8. Road Investment Planning and Financing...............................................................................................................................................24 3.9. Action Plan for Reform and Sector Investment Pipeline .................................................................................................................25 IV - Urban transport sub-sector ...............................................................................................................................28 4.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................29 4.2. Infrastructure and Transportation Services .............................................................................................................................................29 4.3. Key Issues for Action Plan ...............................................................................................................................................................................31 4.4. Urban Transport Sub-sector Investment Pipeline ...............................................................................................................................32 V - Maritime and river transport sub-sector ..................................................................................34 5.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................35 5.2. Institutional, Port Management and Logistic Issues ..........................................................................................................................35 5.3. Banjul Port and River Transport Infrastructure......................................................................................................................................38 5.4. Ports Operation and Traffic ..............................................................................................................................................................................40 5.5. Financial Situation .................................................................................................................................................................................................43 5.6. Key Issues and Action Plan .............................................................................................................................................................................44 5.7. Port and Maritime Transport Subsector Investment Pipeline .......................................................................................................44 VI - Air transport sub-sector............................................................................................................................................46 6.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................47 6.2. Airport Infrastructure and Facilities ..............................................................................................................................................................47 6.3. Route Development and Air Traffic..............................................................................................................................................................48 6.4. Sub-sector Financing and Investment ......................................................................................................................................................49 6.5. Air Traffic Control/Navigation and Safety Issues ..................................................................................................................................50 II AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP CONTENT 6.6. Financial Situation .................................................................................................................................................................................................51 6.7. Key Issues and Action Plan .............................................................................................................................................................................51 6.8. Air Transport Subsector Investment Pipeline ........................................................................................................................................52 VII - Strategies for future support .........................................................................................................................54 7.1. Development Plan Priorities ............................................................................................................................................................................55 7.2. Donors intervening in the Sector ..................................................................................................................................................................56