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Gambia: Flights Delayed in Country, Due to Lack of Gas
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Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina)
20 March 2008
Posted to the web 21 March 2008
Maimuna I. Touray and Justice Sam
Banjul
Major economic collapse is threatening the lives of Gambian and non Gambian commuters. The country is currently witnessing a major gas shortage, which left many flights delayed for hours. The Banjul International Airport, has been hard hit by the gas shortage. Commuters also walked for miles in order to reach their scheduled destinations, as car owners could be seen lined up in gas stations scrambling for gas. There is limited gas in this country. Almost 80 percent of gas stations are out of gas.
The gas shortage has been attributable to lack of foreign exchange to order gas. Many private marketers, have complained about the depreciating value of the United States dollar against the Gambian currency, the Dalasi. The US dollar is now trading at D18 per dollar.
The country's import cover had also fallen drastically in recent months, thanks to the ailing economic situation.
Despite repeated assurances by the Central Bank of The Gambia, about possible growth of the economy, economic experts have predicted a for full blown inflation in days ahead, if the current economic situation does not change.
Most importers said without foreign exchange, it would be virtually difficult to order gas into the country. They also accused the President of favoring some Lebanese investors, under the leadership of Muhammed Bazzi to dominate the gas market.
" These people have taken over almost every sector in this country. It's regrettable that they invaded our country. I cannot order gas and sell it at loss." Said the businessman.
As a result of the gas shortage in the country, some taxi drivers, have increased the transport fares. Bamba Samba a driver was arrested for charging Banjul commuters D25 fares. Police arrested him and later accused him of imposing an unofficial fares.
Samba tells the Freedom Newspaper, shortly after his release that his move was not malicious. " This the only way I can realize the lost I suffered. Gas is too expensive in this country. It has never been my wish to increase fares, but under the circumstances, I am compelled to do so." Said Samba.
In another development, the gas shortage has also slowed down business activities at the Banjul International airport. Flights bound for UK and other destinations, often transit through neighboring countries to secure gas, before they could made it to the Gambia.
The gas shortage causes serious flight delays this past Tuesday. Flights carrying Tourists from Manchester, Gatwick in London, Amsterdam and Thomas Cook were delayed due to lack of gas. Pilots transited through other countries to secure gas, as there is no gas in The Gambia.
Aviation officials in The Gambia said efforts were underway to resolve the problem. " This country is undergoing serious recession. As you may know, gas is hard to come by these days. If the current continues, there is bound to be economic loss at the airport. Many flights passed through Senegal, before landing here. It might also hinder our tourism industry. Many flights are delayed due to lack of gas in this country." Said the aviation official.
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Aviation officials say the current economic crisis should be a concern to all and sundry. " The President is very confused at this hour. All these sackings were as a result of economic uncertainty. There is no serious economic activity taking place in this country. Our flights landing have declined sharply. A good number of the planes coming into this country, are on transit. The airport is becoming a ghost airport. Almost, all the seasoned aviation experts had been sacked. There is bound to be failures. The people entrusted with the airport, don't have no clue about what they are doing. They are not qualified to do the job." Said the official.
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