By: Nicholas Bass
Women petty traders in Brikama have roundly urged The Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) to urgently renovate and reopen its abandoned toilets at the Brikama terminal.
The traders have argued that such a move is critical for public health and convenience.
Speaking to The Voice in an interview, Mariama Ceesay, a trader in Brikama, says business owners and pedestrians are struggling whenever they need to relieve themselves. She explained that while access to GTSC toilets previously cost five dalasi (D5), which provided some relief, the closure now forced users to walk to the Brikama Police Station, which was far for them.
“We have to go up to the police station, and that is our problem. If someone is having diarrhea, they have no option other than to defecate on themselves. The same goes for urinating,” Mrs. Ceesay lamented. She appealed to GTSC to reopen the toilets, noting that their use would generate income for the transport company and promote hygiene.
“If we don’t have cleanliness, our Muslim faith is questionable,” she added. Mrs. Ceesay also called on President Barrow’s administration to support GTSC in renovating the Brikama terminal for public benefit.
Jankey Danso also highlighted the difficulty elderly women face in accessing the police station toilets, describing the GTSC toilet closure as “a big problem.” She said the distance from the market to the police station was particularly challenging for older traders.
Fatoumatta Kambi acknowledges that GTSC’s ongoing work at Brikama is positive, but criticizes the decision to close the toilets. She recounted that one elderly woman recently defecated on herself because she could not access the GTSC facilities, calling the incident “shameful and stressful.”
Traders are urging GTSC to reopen and maintain the Brikama toilets, emphasizing that access to sanitation is a basic necessity alongside a functional transport service.
Despite repeated attempts, this reporter was unable to obtain a response from GTSC officials. Visits to the Kanifing headquarters, phone calls to the Managing Director’s office, and follow-ups with staff between 10 and 12 September 2025 were unsuccessful.
Traders are urging GTSC to reopen and maintain the Brikama toilets, emphasizing that access to sanitation is a basic necessity alongside a functional transport service.
“Over the years, the GRA has made tremendous progress, consistently exceeding revenue targets,” Jallow said. “This success is largely attributed to reform initiatives and continuous investment in building staff capacities, supported by partners like ATAF.”
He stressed that capacity building required a strong foundation, including legal frameworks, operational guidelines, and trained personnel.
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