In what was described as an arbitrary move, the minister of environment and natural resources has reportedly ordered the confiscation of two empty cargo containers that belonged to the Lerr Group, a prominent construction company.
Lerr Group was the contracting company for the construction of the environment ministry’s office complex in Abuko.
The complex was inaugurated by President Adama Barrow on Wednesday.
Sources told JollofNews that the minister’s “summary” decision to order for the confiscation of Lerr Group’s containers stemmed from her exasperation over what, she believed, was the “failure” of Lerr Group to put road designs at the entrance of the ministry complex.
The Gambia government abruptly terminated Lerr Group’s contract in 2024 and deployed armed paramilitaries to guard the complex. At the time of terminating the contract, the construction group sought D15M variation. The government did not, however, entertain this demand and instead decided to mobilize at the complex paramilitary officers, who were armed to the teeth with weapons.
Sources informed JollofNews that Lerr Group was asked to receive its containers, each of which was valued at D100,000.
“Lerr Group could not retrieve its containers because the environment minister Rohey John-Manjang insisted that the containers were not moving even an inch. She said she personally ordered the retention of the containers because Lerr Group did not put road designs at the complex’s entrance,” a source familiar with the story explained to this medium.
JollofNews telephoned Mrs. John-Manjang for her reaction but the lady, who picked the call, promised to send us her number. However, our subsequent calls went unanswered .
