Bantaba in Cyberspace
Bantaba in Cyberspace
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ | Invite a friend
 All Forums
 Turism & Travel Forum
 Tourism: General
 When Will Banjul Airport be finished ?

Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply.
To register, click here. Registration is FREE!

Screensize:
UserName:
Password:
Format Mode:
Format: BoldItalicizedUnderlineStrikethrough Align LeftCenteredAlign Right Horizontal Rule Insert HyperlinkInsert EmailInsert Image Insert CodeInsert QuoteInsert List
Videos: Google videoYoutubeFlash movie Metacafe videoQuicktime movieWindows Media videoReal Video
   
Message:

* HTML is OFF
* Forum Code is ON
Smilies
Smile [:)] Big Smile [:D] Cool [8D] Blush [:I]
Tongue [:P] Evil [):] Wink [;)] Clown [:o)]
Black Eye [B)] Eight Ball [8] Frown [:(] Shy [8)]
Shocked [:0] Angry [:(!] Dead [xx(] Sleepy [|)]
Kisses [:X] Approve [^] Disapprove [V] Question [?]

 
   

T O P I C    R E V I E W
toubab1020 Posted - 23 Jun 2020 : 15:36:29
It has been quite a long time since work on the revamp of the airport was started,the last time I used the airport the works were proceeding VERY slowly,it would seem to me that as the tourist trade is vital to the Gambian economy these works should proceed more speedly,in the UK there are plans to create "Air Bridges" to countries who have been fortunate enough to identify quickly and isolate those unfortunate people who have contracted the Coved 19 virus.NO African countries are on that list,what a boost it would be if GAMBIA was the first African country to be "Bridged"

Dear Reader how about a post and give YOUR opinion ?
7   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
toubab1020 Posted - 22 Sep 2020 : 11:02:11
======================================================================
https://standard.gm/gambias-airport-to-reopen-by-end-october-amid-tight-regulations/

======================================================================

September 21, 2020

By Lamin Njie

Assistant Information Officer

Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure

As countries around the world are considering reopening of their airports to both domestic and international flights, hopes are high that the country’s only airport, the Banjul International Airport (BIA), will reopen by the end of October, but under tight health related regulations against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

This information is contained in a review Report presented to the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 on the 3rd September, 2020 by Hon. Bai Lamin Jobe, Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure.

The Report particularly highlights how the re-opening of BIA is important for the tourist season in The Gambia, which peaks around October and ends around April. During this period the airport usually processes significant traffic in terms of passenger, cargo, and aircraft movements.

However, under the current state of public emergency, declared by H.E. the President on 27 August for 21 days, to last up to 16 September 2020, the airport is closed; only cargo, medical and special flight operations are approved by special permits issued by the Executive. These approvals are forwarded to GCAA to relay the Landing Permits to the concerned air carrier.

According to the Report, in the event that the airport is re-opened, preventive and mitigation measures must be in place, such as quarantine, in order to enhance safe and efficient operations of air transport, pilots and crew.

The report states that pilots and crew can be quarantined in either of the following ways: to remain on board the aircraft during turnaround times and be in position on the aircraft where they won’t interact with cleaners.

In the event where they have to stay overnight, they will be taken to a hotel, lodged in separate rooms and confined for the duration of the night. Their period of quarantine will not be more than their required stay for the return flight, the Report explains.

All persons (arriving and departing) are required to have negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate conducted within 72 hours prior to arrival or departure.

The Report states that each passenger above the age of 16 and travelling alone will be required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Persons under 16 years old and traveling with a guardian/parent may not need to complete their own Form, provided that: they will arrive and leave together; they will stay at the same address in The Gambia; and the details of their dependents are included in the guardian’s/parent’s Form. The Passenger Locator Form (or Traveler Screening Form) will have the following information requirements: passport information, travel details, including times and dates and a Negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate.

The Report further states that Airlines shall not transport any passenger to the Banjul International Airport who does not present a COVID- 19 test certificate. Any airline that defaults shall be liable to a fine of (to be determined by Government of The Gambia.) Travelers arriving in The Gambia without a COVID-19 Test Certificate or presenting one of the COVID-19 symptoms will be considered as SUSPECTED CASES and will be screened and tested upon entry and the cost of testing shall be borne by the passenger (cost of test to be determined by the Government of The Gambia.)

All areas with potential for human contact (chairs, elevator, door handles, toilets, immigration and check-in counters, restaurants will be disinfected at least three times a day, and more frequently depending on the increase in traffic (ECOWAS Guidelines). Non-touch / sensor sanitizer stations must be provided throughout the area of passenger journey for frequent cleaning and sanitizing of hands. Distance marking signs and markings will be made on the floor of all areas where passengers are expected to queue (check-in area, immigration area, customs area, baggage carousel area, toilet area, etc.) to ensure that passengers stand 1.5 meter apart (EOWAS Guideline)

On face masks, the Report states that all passengers must wear face masks or face coverings upon entry to the airport. The passenger is responsible to provide extra masks for the duration of their journey. All airport workers must wear face masks at all times and all passengers must have their temperature checked before entering the Terminal.
Newly installed communication gadgets at the Control Tower#65533;
Newly installed communication gadgets at the Control Tower



It further explains that all airport workers must have their temperature checked before and after their work (ECOWAS Guideline); thermal imaging cameras will be set up at the main entrances used by airport workers to monitor their temperatures; and Government will support the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks. (ECOWAS Guideline).
Snip20200920 9
Renovations ongoing at the main Terminal Building

Furthermore, all luggages will be disinfected before entering the conveyor belt system. Speedy baggage claim processes shall be enhanced in order to ensure that passengers are not made to wait for longer periods in the baggage claim area. Therefore, the Report states that GRA must ensure that the customs clearance process is as speedy as possible and that appropriate measures are taken in case of physical baggage inspections.
Snip20200920 10
One of the new cooling systems installed at the main Terminal Building

Cleaning schedules shall be aligned with flight schedules to ensure frequent, in-depth disinfection of luggage carts, and conveyor belts. Self-service kiosks or online options for passenger needing to report lost or damaged luggage shall be made available. The use of retractable stanchions and floor markings shall be considered as temporary measure to encourage physical distancing at the baggage carousel area.
Snip20200920 11
A newly refurbished VIP Hall

The use of baggage delivery services, where the passenger’s baggage can be delivered directly to their hotel or home, shall be encouraged, especially for tourist flights where the passengers may be going to the same hotel. Baggage tracking information shall be shared with passengers so that they are able to make a baggage claim, in case of baggage mishandling, without waiting in the reclaim area.

In addition, all vehicles shall abide by the preventive measures announced by the Ministry of Health, especially as regards to capacity load, wearing of face masks and maintaining safe physical distance from others (at least 1.5 meter apart)

In a recent interview at the airport, Mr. Malang Touray, Director of Engineering and Maintenance, who also doubles up as the airport Project Engineer, said there was need for the much-awaited renovation because the Terminal Building had some functional issues, including space constraints.
Snip20200920 12
Immigration Desk

“This really affected the processing of passengers, and it was time consuming, therefore the need for this renovation” he said.

According to Mr. Touray, renovation works are also on-going at the Control Tower as well, and it is at the finishing stages.

“The Control Tower will have new equipment and gadgets which include a new control desk in order to make the work more secure and efficient,” he added.

Mr. Abdoulie Colley, Director of Operations, noted that safety and security are pillars that they don’t compromise. “These pillars are jealously guarded in compliance with international standards,” he added. On when flights would resume normal operations, Mr. Colley answered that everything will have to depend on the situation on the ground, as the pandemic is not yet history.

“If all goes well, The Ministry of Health will communicate to us and we will in turn relay the message to airlines, that BIA is back on full time operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ongoing renovation works in the main Terminal Building, despite the advent of Covid-19, are almost 90 percent completed. A new cooling system has been installed, the tiles of the new Terminal Building are in place, the immigration boots are installed, and so are the machines for baggage checking in the arrival hall, and the refurbishing of the VIP hall. The Control Tower has been refurbished and repainted, and fitted with fire proof doors, toilets, and communication desk with new equipment and gadgets.
Momodou Posted - 02 Sep 2020 : 14:25:31
quote:
Originally posted by rassimian

sorry Momodou, there must be a connection between the previous postings and what you have written. mine was a bit 'tongue in cheek' but I think your point is that money spent on VVIP facilities at Yundum would be better spent on improving medical services across the Gambia.If so I totally agree but that's what Govts do- WASTE MONEY.

That is what I mean.
toubab1020 Posted - 02 Sep 2020 : 13:47:34
I understood

quote:
Originally posted by rassimian

sorry Momodou, there must be a connection between the previous postings and what you have written. mine was a bit 'tongue in cheek' but I think your point is that money spent on VVIP facilities at Yundum would be better spent on improving medical services across the Gambia.If so I totally agree but that's what Govts do- WASTE MONEY.

rassimian Posted - 02 Sep 2020 : 13:39:21
sorry Momodou, there must be a connection between the previous postings and what you have written. mine was a bit 'tongue in cheek' but I think your point is that money spent on VVIP facilities at Yundum would be better spent on improving medical services across the Gambia.If so I totally agree but that's what Govts do- WASTE MONEY.
Momodou Posted - 01 Sep 2020 : 14:05:45
quote:
Originally posted by rassimian

Two questions. What about us, the ordinary folk who have the endure the poor quality of conditions at Yundum and second, how do I become a VVIP !!??



I have just seen a video of Bansang Hospital the only a main hospital in the provinces without electricity and the Doctors were using cell phone lamps to see patients.
rassimian Posted - 01 Sep 2020 : 12:51:56
Two questions. What about us, the ordinary folk who have the endure the poor quality of conditions at Yundum and second, how do I become a VVIP !!??
toubab1020 Posted - 01 Sep 2020 : 10:03:09
======================================================================
https://foroyaa.net/dutch-company-to-supervise-construction-of-presidential-lounge-at-banjul-international-airport/

======================================================================
August 31, 2020

PETROLEUM HOUSE, BRUFUT, 27TH AUGUST 2020 – The Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure and The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, is pleased to announce the recruitment of Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) as the consultant for the Design and Supervision of the construction of an ultra-modern Presidential VVIP Lounge at the Banjul International Airport, in preparation for the forthcoming OIC Heads of State and Government Summit in 2022.

Under this agreement, NACO and its Gamban partner, Cityscape of The Gambia, will provide integrated design services for an independent VVIP pavilion for the exclusive use of the President of the Republic and other designated guests. This complex will include presidential lounges, press rooms, protocol offices, security offices, parking lots for the use of passengers arriving and departing the presidential lounge, and roads linking the lounge to the Aircraft Apron.

Additionally, the engineering firm will provide detailed designs and pre-contract services for a period of 23 weeks as well as deliver construction compliance and site supervision duties for 52 weeks.

‘‘The signing marks yet another indication of our logical approach to systematically putting in place an array of infrastructure to ensure a successful hosting of the OIC 2022’’, says Mr. Yankuba Dibba, the Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat.

‘‘The VVIP lounge will give our guests a taste of the experience of Gambian hospitality. It would provide a befitting welcome to the smiling coast of Africa’’.

The building of a modern presidential lounge at the country’s only international airport, ahead of the OIC Summit in 2022, will uplift its image and standards in line with international protocol and high-level reception requirements.

The project will complement ongoing efforts by OICGambia, and The Gambia government, to position The Gambia as a leading conference destination in the subregion. Moreover, like other OICGambia projects, it will create several job opportunities and transfer of knowledge to local firms and individuals.




Bantaba in Cyberspace © 2005-2024 Nijii Go To Top Of Page
This page was generated in 0.08 seconds. User Policy, Privacy & Disclaimer | Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.06