Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the vice president and secretary of state for Women's Affairs yesterday afternoon inspected a new boat at the Gambia Ports Authority. Build by a Pakistani-Gambian base Company, A&A Industries Ltd in the country with local materials from The Gambia, the boat has a capacity to carry over 100 people.

Vice President Njie-Saidy accompanied by  the speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, Chief Justice Abdou Karim Savage, Cheif of Defence Staff Langtombong Tamba and other dignitaries, conducted a tour at the ferry terminal on board the new boat together with other senior government officials. The Gambia Ports Authority official where also on the boat with Navy officials who were checking the equipment of the boat to ensure that it is normal to be on the sea.

Speaking shortly after the tour, Vice President Njie-Saidy commended the company for a work well done, noting that it's a good move for both the company and The Gambia . She highlighted the river potential the country has. She noted that the GPA will review the boat and once the review is completed, work will be in progress. Riaz Mirza, managing director of A&A Industries, said they have a contract with a company from Sierra Leon to build three ferries and they have finished one and the two are remaining. He said the ferry fuel consumption is very low with 24 liters per hour.