Coastal Protection Project

Gambia

The Gambia's 81-km long coastal zone is abundant with heavy minerals and provides the majority of the population with jobs, especially in the fisheries and tourism sectors. Intense erosion has destroyed a number of large sections. The capital Banjul, home to a major port situated on the southern bank of the Gambian River, lies directly across from the Barra Ferry Terminal. Ferries operating between these two points are the primary form of transport; however, acute silting has restricted their movements. The project will thus entail:

• restoration of five sections of coastline through the construction of retaining walls to halt erosion;
• implementation of land reclamation activities;
• restoration of deteriorated sectionsthrough the use of sand-fill; and
• dredging of around 200,000 m² of sediment from the beaches at the Barra Ferry Terminal to reduce siltation.