The government’s breakdown of the donor funding, government contribution, total project expenditure, and cumulative amount gathered for the hosting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in The Gambia in May 2024 was presented to National Assembly Members by Finance Minister Seedy Keita on Wednesday.

He was responding to a parliamentary query from Abdoulie Njai, the Banjul Central NAM, who sought to determine the amount of money received for the summit and the location of its expenditure.

The minister disclosed that the summit’s infrastructure enhancement was funded by over $240 million in grants and loans from donors.

He stated that the Saudi Fund contributed $93 million, which was allocated to the following projects: $22.5 million for the rehabilitation of the water and sanitation network, $10 million for the enhancement of the electricity network, $10.5 million for the construction of the VVIP at the Banjul airport, and $50 million for the construction of the 50Km feeder roads project.

In addition, Minister Keita disclosed that the government received $20 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), $19.8 million from the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), $14 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and an additional $15.3 million from the IDB for the purpose of widening the 22km Bertil Harding Highway.

He also disclosed that the government has contributed $26 million and $9.8 million to the Bertil Harding Highway initiative.

Nevertheless, he did not specify whether these components are loans or grants, with the exception of a $50 million grant for the construction of the Conference Centre.

National budgetary funds

The finance minister also disclosed that the government had incurred D647.9 million in additional expenditures for the summit’s hosting, which were deducted from the national budget.

Funds for 89 vehicles

Minister Keita stated that the Gambia government incurred additional expenditures for the summit, including the acquisition of a total of 89 vehicles for €9.996 million.

The minister was questioned about the vehicles’ fate in the wake of the summit. He responded, “They are in the custody of the Government Vehicle Controller, who will determine their utilization and allocations. However, this is ultimately a decision made by the executive.”

Nevertheless, he verified that a portion of the fleet is being distributed, while others are being reserved.

The minister responded that the GPPA was involved and that all necessary procedures were followed in response to inquiries from several legislators regarding the vehicle contract’s procurement procedures.