The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Thursday 6th May 2021 conducted a day sensitization forum with stakeholders in the Petroleum Products (Road Transport) Business sector. The event was held at Metzy Residence Hotel. 

The synergy was geared towards enhancing capacity and enlighten business operators, as discussions did revolve around licensing requirements on petroleum road transport business, PURA Guidelines on the existing testing regime on road tankers, and vehicles transporting petroleum products in the Gambia.  

The stakeholder’s forum took participants through the minimum mandatory guidelines for tanker trucks, trailers, and equipment transporting Petroleum Products in the country.  

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, the Director of Petroleum, Water and Energy at PURA, Mr. Momodou Lamin Sompo Ceesay commended the participation of the stakeholders in the Petroleum sector.  

He said that the forum is very important as it creates an avenue for meaningful engagement between stakeholders. He further encouraged stakeholders to always engage PURA on areas they may need help on.  

Mr. Ceesay also disclosed that PURA has developed a testing scheme and has already established a partnership with Fire and Rescue Services that have been training drivers. 

He urged participants to make the best use of this forum to share their constraints and highlight possible ways to strengthen collaboration initiatives.  

In her presentation, Ms. Emma Mendy, Director of Legal, Licensing, and Enforcement PURA who presented on Licensing Requirement for Petroleum Products Transport Business in the Gambia said regulations in the Gambia are implemented by different agencies.  

She highlighted the relevance of regulatory compliance, penalties for violating the law, and other crucial conditions relating to the use of tanker trucks. She encouraged participants to always endeavor to be respecters of the law to enhance their business outlook.   

Ismaila Jadama, Petroleum Quality Assurance Manager at PURA presented on PURA mandatory guidelines for road tankers. Nicole Labidi Timper, Operation Manager of Castle Oil Limited stated that the forum is a relevant one that helps them to work together and share ideas and relevant information in the Petroleum sector.  

Muhammed Hydara, the representative of TECH WORLD who also doubles as a consultant for operations and safety in petroleum downstream operations commented that the PURA stakeholder engagement is timely and very relevant. He called on PURA to periodically repeat such forum to ensure that the message is received and adhere to.  

“The importance of safety vehicles cannot be over emphasized. An important outcome of this forum is the consideration of mandatory training for Petroleum Products training for drivers before being certified to drive road tankers. In other words, being qualified to drive a truck is not the same as being qualified to drive a tanker truck,” Mr. Hydara stated.