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Gambia News : Bulk Of Half Die Residents Vacate

The majority of Banjul South residents, commonly known as “Half Die” are vacating their dwellings after they were given a month’s notice by The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) to quit.

The compounds that were listed to vacate premises comprised 36, after The Gambia Ports Authority’s decision to include the area in the ports complex.

According to the residents that are yet to vacate the area, they were flabbergasted and dismayed by the short notice given by The Gambia Ports Authority. The residents said they has unanimously agreed on a six month period with The Gambia Ports Authority before they would finally vacate. They suggested that the new site (Cape Point Bakau) should be well prepared by the Ports Authority before they can erect their structures.

They stressed that the agreement with the Ports Authority includes the provision of social amenities amongst others in the area (Cape Point, Bakau). Those who vacated indicated that they are toiling both day and night at their utmost to secure a house for their families. They described the eviction order as unfortunate.

Speaking to this reporter a resident at “Half Die” and a compound head indicated that almost all the compounds at “Half Die” are owned by extended families. He applauded the development of the ports authority but posited that the Ports Authority should have offered them more than what has been offered.

The Ports Authority had issued an ultimatum, whose deadline expired on Friday 29th February 2008, asking residents to quit or face forceful eviction, which has not taken place yet. This reporter endeavoured to get the opinion of the Gambia Ports Authority on the matter but they were not accessible.