The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, has confirmed that the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), through its subsidiary, the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC), has procured 70 buses at a cost of €9 million.
Speaking on Coffee Time with West Coast Radio, Keita clarified that the government was not involved in any financial transaction with SSHFC or GTSC but only advised SSHFC to facilitate the purchase to address transportation challenges in the country.
He explained that at the time of the purchase, transport strikes were frequent, school buses were not regularly available, and several communities lacked adequate transport services.
Keita noted that before this transaction, GTSC had independently purchased buses but was unable to meet growing demand. As a result, SSHFC financed the procurement of 70 additional buses for €9 million.
He dismissed claims that the government took a loan for the transaction, stating that the funding came solely from SSHFC.
