SNOHETTA, the Norwegian company contracted to design the new University of The Gambia Faraba Banta Campus master plan, yesterday presented the periodic update master plan of the Campus to President Yahya Jammeh, who is also the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, at State House.

Mr Ole Gustavsen, managing director of the company and Jenny B Osuldsen, landscape architecture, were led to State House by Abdoulie Sallah, secretary of state for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Dr Saidou Jallow, permanent secretary at the department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology who chaired the ceremony.

The project was initiated by President Jammeh through the Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. The full integration of the institutions namely, The Gambia University, Gambia College, Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) and Management Development Institute will result in what will be called the new University of The Gambia at Faraba Banta Campus.

During the presentation, the team briefed the Gambian leader on the missions of the Faraba Banta master plan, the area plan (industrial park, agricultural area, student campus, sports area, solar park as well as the water treatment area).

The team also presented the concept of the Faraba Banta campus patterns from settlements and rivers, the concept of the faculty building including the rooms and auditorium, the technical infrastructure as well as the environmental profile and ambitions for the technical infrastructure comprising water and energy among others.

Speaking after the presentation, President Jammeh thanked the team and company for a job well done and assured them of his continuing support.

Professor Andrea Steigen, vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia reiterated the urgent need for the university campus. This he said will greatly help integrate The Gambia University, Gambia College, Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) and Management Development Institute.

Abdoulie Sallah, secretary of state for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology expressed delight at the team for giving yet another periodic update on the master plan of the campus to President Jammeh. He expressed the hope that by the agreed date, the final plan will be submitted.

The general master plan for the new university of The Gambia Faraba Campus is expected to be completed and submitted in December 2009.

Several secretaries of state attended the presentation.